The food was, of course, excellent, although being waited on hand-and-foot was still a little awkward, Stathis often reaching out for something, only to have a maid or manservant get in the way and pass it over. The Blade was practically having food poured down their throat, consuming everything within reach. Skotadi was more refined, every inch the polished lady, delicately dabbing at her hips with a lace cloth, before grabbing at a plate of ornately laid-out fish and moving it in front of herself, ensuring she got to eat it rather than the Blade.

Beneath the table, one of Janaxia’s hands rested on Stathis’ knee, nails lightly resting there. Whenever she glanced over at Brina, the pressure increased, nails pressing down with greater force. When Brina leaned over to talk to Stathis, the pressure increased even more, Stathis twitching her leg to try and relieve the pressure, ignoring Janaxia’s faint mental murmur.

‘So, this where you been hidin’ out? Pretty nice. Certainly better ‘n runnin’ up and down the continent lookin’ for rumours of anyone glowin’! And defeatin’ what was left of vamps and zombies and stuff. Still a load of all sorts of beasties out and about.’

‘There were a few here, but nothing that we couldn’t deal with. Especially with a bit of help from those three.’ Stathis nodded over at Skotadi and Armoniki, currently staring at each other, a particularly choice bowl of food hovering between the two of them, suspended in an aura of dark energy, locked in place by opposing forces. ‘It takes some effort to get them to do anything, but they are fairly powerful. And they can sense a lot of things, which made hunting them down easier. Since then, we’ve not had any problems.’

‘An easier time than us, then! All sorts of shit kicked off, a load of those shifters needed dealin’ with, having to pry ‘em out of all sorts of places we didn’t want them. There’s a lot of gaps at the top of everywhere, royal families havin’ to go all the way down the line of succession to find someone still alive to take over. Right bloody mess! And then I got tasked to find a certain errant heir that had gone missing.’ She glared at Stathis, jutting her head forward so her hair-beads clacked, before her gaze softened and she smiled, nails scraping up Stathis’ leg. ‘Woulda been nice to have some help!’

‘Sorry, I needed some time to work through some things.’

‘I guess you did save the world, or somethin’? Still a bloody pain to vanish like that though, the Commander went spare! Especially when divination spells showed you were alive, but nothin’ more.’

‘That was Janaxia and Skotadi.’

Janaxia leaned in, pushing herself across Stathis’ front, perfume wafting upwards, her shoulder pushing against Stathis. ‘Yes, it was an interesting challenge. It seems there is much about my arcane powers I have yet to fully discover! Especially with Skotadi’s aid. Although she does need some tuition herself in matters of etiquette and courtesy. As does Armoniki – for their age, they are rather rough and unpolished.’

Stathis had to lean back to give Janaxia space as she wriggled closer and further forward, the magical food-duel between Armoniki and Skotadi blinked out, the food bowl falling, mercifully landing without spilling anything.

‘But they are shaping up well, and seem rather… non-world-destroying, at least thus far.’

Brina looked at Janaxia, taking in the plunging neck-line and sheer fabric, her smile widening, Janaxia preening back, pressing her shoulder more closely against Stathis, who was now having to reach over her to try and reach food, being careful not to drop crumbs onto Janaxia’s mostly-bare back.

‘That’s good, must be relaxin’ not having to worry about that?’

Before the position got even more uncomfortable, Stathis lightly pulled on the back-strap of Janaxia’s dress, trying to pull her upwards without tearing it or pulling it off, speaking to Brina.

‘So how are things on the mainland?’

‘Chaotic still. Even places outside of the battles are still hurtin’ for food, there’s refugees everywhere, and Sethans keep poppin’ up everywhere. They seem pretty good at gettin’ on with people, for creepy part-demon people. Oh, and Sen is a leader now.’

‘I always knew she had great potential. She just needed a chance to let herself shine.’ Janaxia moved backwards, Stathis having to using a hand to shield herself from a jutting horn, the black bone hot from the sun. ‘And Zarazonnia?’

‘Negotiations are still goin’ on, but some of the areas that were depopulated are gettin’ resettled. Guess compared to Setha, then anywhere is nice?’

Stathis nodded. ‘It’s a pretty inhospitable place. And having to feed the desert blood to grow anything is weird.’ Before Janaxia could move back in front of her, Stathis shuffled her chair forward, putting herself between the two other women. ‘Compared to that, then just regular farming work is probably an improvement. Have there been any diplomatic issues?’

‘Less than you would think. Zarazonnia is pretty damn good at negotiatin’. Seems to do better by letter than in person though!’

‘Yes, I would imagine her physique can be a little distracting and unsettling in personal meetings. Has she established a court yet? Perhaps that could be our first official engagement?’ Janaxia pushed herself against Stathis, hair brushing against Stathis’ shoulder. ‘Some form of liaison would be helpful, would it not?’

‘I suppose it would give you something to do.’ Stathis grabbed one of Janaxia’s horns. ‘There’s still going to be some awkwardness when people realise these are real though!’ She had to grip carefully, not wanting the sharp edges to slice her hand open. ‘A diplomat does have more leeway in their dress and behaviour though. And it would give you a formal position.’

‘Yes, I think it would be best to confirm that as soon as possible. Some formal titles would be nice. And you have several estates you can share, do you not?’

Stathis saw Brina’s eyes flick down to Janaxia’s visible hand, looking for a ring.

‘I don’t know if that’s needed yet. You’ve probably got your own family lands to look after first, right? Unless one of your siblings is less dead than expected, but I can’t see anyone objecting if you take that formally.’

‘That is true. Although Trakatha is probably still alive, as is Greganx. It seems fair to say that being apprehended is a suitable reason to disallow an inheritance, and I’m sure that… the Commander can be persuaded to be harsh with him? All things considered?’ She brushed Stathis’ hand off her horn, looking her in the eyes, brilliant emerald eyes staring at Stathis. ‘I mean, we are practically family, so an indefinite sentence shouldn’t be that much to ask, I would think?’

Semari’s head whipped up, her mouth crunching through some prawns, hurriedly swallowing before she spoke. ‘So, you guys all, like, married now? There should be a party or something!’

‘We’ve not done that yet!’

True. I would hope for something rather grander! I suppose there is some basic charm to an elopement, but there really should be some state occasion.

‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves! There’s still a lot of work to be done, and I don’t think we need to rush into anything. And I don’t want to know who’s been betting on what for it!’

‘Fair enough. But, like, you should do something? Make it official, have a big party? Could be cool. Maybe mark that things are over, sort of thing? The sun’s all back and everything. Hey, are you going to ascend or anything? Go all glowy and vanish?’

‘I… don’t think so? Although I should try and have a conversation with them at some point. And maybe see if I can introduce them to these three.’

Skotadi and Armoniki had energy sizzling between them again, trading minor barbs and stings of darkness, ostentatiously not looking at each other. The Blade was still eating, grabbing at food, their jaw hinging wider than should have been possible, food vanishing into their maw, not even getting chewed before they swallowed. There was an impressive stack of empty plates in front of them, servants clearing them away and bringing fresh plates out.

‘Make sure there’s no misunderstandings and that there’s not going to be any future problems. Maybe we can make a permanent passageway back there, re-settle the place or something? Although that’s very long-term, I suppose.’

‘Hmmm, yes. There is plenty to be down here first. It might be helpful to formalise their position in some way as well. Although I don’t think there is much in the way of precedence for them.’ She looked at the Blade, a dark energy reaching forward to brush up strap crumbs and other debris. ‘And lots of room for development. Although Skotadi is doing well, I think.’

There was a snapping sound, rippling tides of black energy flicking and slapping together, the tablecloth tearing apart between the two of them. Janaxia snapped her fingers, staring at them each in turn, eyes flaring brightly.

While she probably-upbraided them without broadcasting to anyone else, Stathis turned back to Brina. ‘Looks like there’s going to be a lot going on still! I don’t even know how to start explaining these three.’

‘You might want Hakara to think of something? Then when she explains it, everyone will find it really confusin’ and not ask anything else?’

‘That might work. As long as Skotadi doesn’t start describing herself as a queen or anything. I’ve no idea how they’re going to grow up and the like – Skotadi’s already bigger, but it took almost dying. I’d rather they don’t experiment too much, that seems like it could go wrong.’

‘You get magical kids sometimes, guess you could say somethin’ like that. Or, knowin’ you, not say that and let everyone think it. Neat trick – doesn’t seem quite in line with swearin’ to not lie though.’

‘Hey, I don’t lie! If other people draw conclusions, that’s their own business.’

‘Guess Yeros taught you well! There might need to be a lot of skirtin’ over details with these three though. Guessin’ they’re going to be pretty damn weird in some ways. Uh, that one especially. He got a name yet? Or do much?’

‘Sleeps and eats, mostly. I think he’s pretty traumatised? Not surprising, given everything he’s been through. I guess he’ll recover eventually? Maybe? Hasn’t been violent though, at least not yet. Well, except for fighting Semari, but that was sort of deserved, and probably just for fun?’

There was a metallic tinkling sound, Semari and the Blade both tightly gripping a plate, metal skewers sliding around on top, perfectly-cooked meat dribbling fatty juices downwards. They were holding it from opposite ends, their arms straining to pull it towards themselves. It wavered slightly, Semari straining, the plate making a creaking sound from the strain and pressure it was under. Steel-black energy flared and snapped, the plate snapping in half, the skewers getting flipping upwards into the air.

Semari jumped upwards, launching herself towards the skewers, kicking her chair backwards. The Blade vanished, appearing with a dark blink in mid-air. The two of them collided, Semari grappling them, both of them trying to grab the skewers from the air before they fell. A stray bolt of energy flared outwards, Janaxia stretching out a hand and making it veer towards herself, the flare of energy sizzling over her palm before fading and vanishing from view.

She incanted, a sphere of darkness appearing in mid-air, stretching most of the way to the ground. The sounds of violence came from inside, followed by a crash, the table shaking under an impact. Wood splintered, along with guttural growls and Semari’s grunts,

Janaxia dabbed at her lips with a napkin, before bolts of energy gathered in both of her hands, and she flung them into the darkness. Stathis heard Semari’s oof of pain. The table shook again, an impact hard enough to make all the plates shake and jolt.

‘If the two of you would kindly desist! This is meant to be a happy occasion. Although this is scarcely a surprise.’

The darkness started to vanish, disappearing in uneven waves and pulses, parts disappearing, before it blinked out entirely.

Semari was stood on the table, spinning around, with the Blade’s legs under her arms, his body stretched out, arms flailing. She let go, sending him flying, a meat kebab between his teeth.

He slammed into a tree, the leaves rustling, a few falling down. His mouth chewed, and then he spat the skewer aside, triumphantly flourishing another in each hand and growling. Semari growled back, readying herself to charge, grabbing a skewer from the air as it fell.

‘ENOUGH! This is most discourteous!’ Janaxia’s yell was doubled by a telepathic broadcast, both of them freezing. ‘Skotadi, if you could have a word with your sibling?’

Semari jumped forward, weaving her body around and dodging a spear of darkness, slamming to the ground with enough force to kick up a plume of dust, sweeping around in a low kick. They leaned into a block, the impact hard enough to be audible, Stathis wincing from the thud, the two of them trading blows, knife-hands trying to chop at each other, or to stab with the skewers.

They were moving so fast Stathis could barely follow their movements, arms and hands blurring, both trying to block, dodge and attack, all at once. Janaxia’s hair was starting to brighten, lash tinting itself bright red, annoyance on her face. When she went to move forward, Stathis stretched out her arm to block.

‘At least he’s active now? And I don’t think they’re trying to kill each other.’ Although they were starting to move, feet sliding to keep themselves steady, scratching gouges into the sandy beach. ‘If anything gets too dangerous, then Skotadi can intervene, right?’ She was at least watching the brawl, a look of mild irritation on her face, before she flicked her wrist to conjure up a lace-wrapped parasol, shielding herself from the sun.

The speed and force of their strikes kept increasing, making pulsing soundwaves ripple outwards, with enough power to make some of the napkins shiver, sending ripples skimming over the surface of the drinks.

Semari side-stepped a lunging strike, grabbing at a wrist and yanking, pulling them off balance and spinning, using their lighter build to pull them off balance, twisting them from their settled position, sending them spinning away. They tried to recover, kicking up sand into Semari’s face, but she dragged them in close, twisting their limbs and holding them close. Their tousled, messy hair rippled and their bared their fangs, straining powerlessly against Semari’s body, unable to break free, before they hissed.

‘Oi! Don’t get grumpy because you lost. Shoulda grabbed the food faster.’ She dropped backwards, the two of them falling to the floor, sand skittering around them. ‘I just wanted it more.’

They hissed again, part of their skin turning hard and black, cuts starting to appear on Semari’s skin where she was touching them. She grunted in pain, tightening up her grip, Stathis rising from her seat and approaching, taking some food with her. Up close, she could see the Blade’s skin was now metallic and sharp-looking, abrading Semari’s flesh wherever they touched.

‘That’s enough, I don’t think you need to take it that far!’

They twisted their head, unnaturally far around, then hissed at Stathis, mouth fanged and wide. She tossed some food in, a nugget of meat vanishing from view, and they hissed again, a sound like gas escaping tight compression.

‘We won’t hurt you. Even if Semari might be a little rough sometimes.’

More blood was oozing from Semari’s arms as she injured herself on their rough skin, although she didn’t let go, keeping their limbs pinned.

‘Hey, he tried to steal my meat! Seems to have woken him up though. Owww!’ A large gash appeared on her arm as she tightened her grip, before Stathis leaned forward and touched her, healing the wounds in a haze of golden light. The Blade stopped struggling, relaxing in Semari’s grip. Stathis sighed, before lightly touching him, feeling the spiky roughness of his skin, serrated like tiny blades, being careful not to cut her fingers, and channeling more energy into them.

The golden glow was snatched away, absorbed into them, the rough skin-spikes fading away, as they burrowed against Semari, making happy noises, twisting their arms around her and grabbing hold tightly.

‘Guess he needs magical energy as well?’

Although he wasn’t fighting back any more, he was still gripping tight to Semari, who had to struggle to lift him up, his weight now bundled up close to her.

‘I can’t get him off!’

‘Well, at least he’s not spiky any more. If he wakes up again, maybe you can play with him some more. Guess you’re going to have to get used to it. At least he doesn’t have horns that keep jabbing you in the face, and he’s smaller than Janaxia.’

‘Heavier than he looks though!’ Semari’s steps were sinking into the sand, forcing her to lift them fully up for each step forward. ‘Hope he doesn’t nap too damn long!’

‘He is certainly a little less developed then his siblings. Or perhaps more traumatised? Still, it’s good to see him active, even if in rather violent ways. Skotadi, perhaps you could have a word with him?’

Skotadi pulled a face.

‘You should be courteous to him – that would be the polite thing to do.’

‘Hmph. I shall try. Although he is likely to be a boor, to judge by his current temperament.’

‘Thank you. And there is plenty of food for everyone, you don’t need to squabble over it. That applies to both of you!’ She glared at Armoniki, who shrugged and turned away. ‘Perhaps the two of you could help? You especially, Armoniki, as I believe you were aided in the past?’

As Janaxia upbraided them, Brina got up from the table and approached. ‘Looks like you’ve been keepin’ busy! Well, the Commander’s lookin’ for you, and I’ll have to report in sooner rather than later, but I can hold off a few days. Just hope you’re not runnin’ away again! I was worried somethin’ had happened to you.’

‘Sorry. I just needed some time to think and figure out what to do next. And to make sure that Janaxia and everyone else was OK – I don’t think they’re going to break or do anything too strange.’ She sighed. ‘But I suppose that’s all over now. Time for some work.’

‘Yup. There’s a lot of shit needs fixin’! But…’ Brina reached out and squeezed Stathis’ hand. ‘It’s good to see that you’re alive. And I suppose I need to talk to Janaxia as well. Make sure there’s no misunderstandin’ goin’ on. As I think she might be the type to get a little… bitchy about things. Wouldn’t want to get cursed or nothin’!’

‘I don’t think she would do that…’

‘Not you riskin’ wakin’ up as a frog! I’ll have a chat. And I’ve got a note from Sen for her. And a much longer note from the Commander for you.’ She pulled out a scroll case and handed it over, Stathis able to feel the weight of the contents, the thing stuffed full with rolled-up parchment.

Stathis groaned again. ‘I’ll go read it, I guess. And if you could hold off on contacting anyone for a bit, please? Let’s enjoy this for a few more days, before having to start working again.’

‘Hey, if you’re payin’, I ain’t gonna say no! Just as long as I don’t have to babysit any of those three, they’re a bit creepy.’

‘Skotadi and Armoniki aren’t too bad. The other one…’ They were still clamped around Semari, who had managed to haul herself over to the table and was still eating, their arms tightly wrapped around her. ‘Well, he’s been through a lot.’

‘True. Well, I’ll talk to Janaxia, you go and relax or whatever you do here.’ She gave Stathis’ hand another squeeze, before letting go and walking away.