Stathis walked along the tree-lined walkway, the greenery thick enough to hide the sea and the resort buildings, making it feel like an isolated forest, albeit a very well-groomed one. The statues and other decorations, carefully placed along the path, weren’t ancient relics or half-forgotten curiosities either, with the weathering being entirely artificial, or being fresh stone. She wasn’t sure what style they were meant to be emulating – some strange combination of elven elegance and more human-style figures? But they looked nice at least, some of them even serving as sign-posts to other locations around the place.

She turned around a corner, a carefully crafted vista opening up in front of her – the bright blue sea, white sands, and the surrounding green forest, with bright white villas scattered about the place. The sight of the ship, an Iristari banner flapping from the mast, made her sigh. It had been a nice, and needed break, so it would be a shame to leave, even if there was important work to be done. Work that seemed likely to take a long, long time! Even if there likely (and hopefully) wouldn’t be another massive battle against shadows and darkness, there would be all sorts of monsters that had been roused up and needed dealing with, and then all the minor crises of diplomatic squabbles and worse. She sighed again.

But before dealing with that, there were other things to tend to. At least if she could find Janaxia! And finally raise the subject. She kept putting it off, and then there had been Skotadi and Armoniki lurking around, Skotadi’s eyes always sharp and dark. Well, at least they were getting on, even if she was still strange and overly spiky, and always fighting with Armoniki. Were siblings always this rough? She thought of her own relationship with Carissia and groaned, hoping that they would get on soon.

And then there was the Blade – who would hopefully have a name, or at least more capacity to talk soon. They weren’t entirely feral, but were certainly behaving like they were traumatised! Quite what could be done with them, Stathis had no idea, but they were too powerful and dangerous to be let loose to roam. Especially if someone else found them and used them as a weapon again!

She walked forward, a copse of trees hiding the sea from view, walking through a shaded glade, currently-empty chairs and tables set out of entertainment. Behind it, she could see the main building – all large, airy chambers, sheltered from what few winds passed this way, designed to be as comfortable as possible. There was another, more formal garden to the side of the main building, with lots of small areas for conversations, and she turned into there.

A voice was carried on the sudden breeze, Stathis freezing, trying to stay hidden. It sounded like Skotadi?

‘…destroy your competition! She means to usurp your place in her affections. You should…’

Janaxia’s voice was hard, cracking like a whip. ‘I can assure you that such a thing will not happen. Such matters have already been discussed, and we have come to an amicable agreement. I am aware that…’

‘She will erode away what affection is felt for you!’

‘Skotadi!’ Janaxia’s voice was even harder, before softening, become comforting. ‘I am aware of your feelings on the matter, and confess to a certain amount of sympathy. Nevertheless, Brina is something of an ally, almost a friend, and the matter has already been dealt with. Given your own lack of experience in such matters, then I would urge you to calm, so that I may deal with the issue myself. Not that it is much of an issue, I am sure everything will come together in time.’

Skotadi hissed. ‘You must strike while you retain a strong position! To drive away those that would challenge you, and retain your pre-eminence. That is…’

‘While there is some sense in your words, this is scarcely a matter of brutal warfare. I experienced quite enough of that with my own family, before seeing them, mercifully, destroyed, and would rather not have to endure it again. It is very stressful, and thanklessly draining. So I am attempting something rather less… brutal.’

Skotadi hissed again. ‘But…’

‘I thank you for your concern, but rest assured, I will deal with this matter. Do not take any undue or hasty actions, or I will be very displeased! And, in some ways, perhaps you would do well to learn something from her? While she may not be high-born, she does have certain attractive qualities herself, even if her speech needs rather a lot of work. And she is certainly knowledgeable about the world, as well as having achieved some merit within the Iristari ranks. But if you have the free time to squabble about it, then perhaps you could find something else on which to spend your time?’

Skotadi grumbled.

‘You really should speak out loud – I know you are still getting accustomed to speaking more normally, but it is considered polite. Now, why don’t you go and ask if there the clothing your requested has been completed? It will be good for you to get used to clothing not created by yourself – there may be times when magical effects do not permit our usual outfits.’

A harsh un-word sounded out, a faint chill running through Stathis – she glanced out, just in time to see Skotadi stepping into a dark slash in the air and vanish, leaving Janaxia, stood alone in the clearing. Plinths held various statues, all looking clean and fresh. It would be more natural for them to be at least partially damaged or covered with moss!

Stathis stepped out of the shadows, clearing her throat, Janaxia spinning around to see her. A smile came across her features, her hand coming up to the golden choker around her neck. Her clothing rippled, faint touches of sky-blue fading into sight beneath the gauze, contrasting with the deeper reds. The skirt was cut long in the back and high in the front, showing off her legs, her blouse loose enough that Stathis could see the edges of her tattoo.

‘Everything OK? I thought I heard Skotadi as well.’

‘She had some other matters to attend to. Nothing critical, although she is being a little truculent.’

‘Anything I need to know about?’

‘Oh, she is just a little upset about the interruptions to our retreat. I think she likes it here.’

‘Well, she should, it’s pretty luxurious. But we are going to have to leave soon, we can’t hide out here forever.’

Janaxia sighed. Yes, although it would be pleasant to stay. It has been a welcome relief from the stresses and cares of the world. But there will be no rest for us, I suppose.

Stathis walked towards her, trying to stay calm, feeling her palms get clammy. ‘Well, we always knew that it would only be brief. There’s a lot of monsters and other stuff out there, and probably a load more of those shapeshifters, and all sorts of other problems. And I should stop running away and step up – Mother can’t keep her position forever. Although I will be trying to delegate as much power as possible!’

She stopped about a pace away, before awkwardly stretching her arms out and taking hold of Janaxia’s shoulders. Janaxia suddenly stepped forward, wrapping arms around Stathis in a tight embrace, resting her head against Stathis’ chest, horns lightly butting her.

Hmmm, this is rather nice.

A hand ran down Stathis’ back, before groping her backside, squeezing a buttock. ‘Hey!’

All that sword fighting and other activities has certainly had some benefits. Nice and firm.

‘Hey! Not that I object, but maybe not right now?’ When Stathis looked down, something interesting and distracting was happening to the neckline of Janaxia’s blouse, the material tightening and lowering, more of her tattoo appearing, her neck bare, although with slight indent-marks from her choker. She leaned upwards, kissing Stathis on the lips.

Hmmm. I’m never quite sure if the tingling frisson is some magical effect, or merely mutual passion.

Stathis kissed her back, hugging her close, feeling her soft warmth before separating slightly. ‘Maybe some of both?’ Having a hand squeeze her backside again was somewhat distracting, although not entirely unwelcome.

‘You’re certainly nicer out of armour. I certainly think that you should try and acquire a set that can be equipped at whim though, to save all the trouble of having to put it on. In your position, needing a squire seems unnecessary, and I have no desire to learn such things myself.’

She was still close, the scent of her body distracting Stathis. So, was there some matter you wanted to discuss? Although the embrace is certainly nice.

They stood, Stathis staring at Janaxia, before a wind whipped through the clearing, blowing Janaxia’s hair about. Were those distant words she heard – “do itttttt”? Feeling like she was in a trance, she stepped forward, standing close to Janaxia, looking down into her face.

‘There’s something else we need to talk about first. I’ve been wanting to for a while, but things keep coming up and getting in the way.’

A look of nervousness spread over Janaxia’s face.

‘Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. It’s just, uh, about your position, and what it should be. You’re basically the Uth Tremari heir now, but it might be awkward to go around announcing that, so I’m guessing you’re going to want some formal to be announced by, other than as my partner?’

Her eyes blazed green, sudden speculation flashing over her features. ‘Well, I did have some thoughts.’

‘Nothing too… tyrannical sounding. And remember you will actually need to take some level of responsibility!’

Janaxia winced. Well, to start with then there should be some level of… formalisation of my position, and our relationship.

‘How formal do we need to be? I certainly have no issue with, uh, making some level of formal announcement? Although I’d rather not have anything too major.’

Well, that certainly is a nice start. But there is someone else that should be asked as well, isn’t there? And perhaps certain… gifts? Of a symbolic nature?

‘Can you please use your actual voice? And I don’t know what you mean?’

Janaxia’s hand came up to stroke her neck, before she took her choker from a pocket, the thing hinged open, golden polished to a bright sheen.

‘Well, to start with, I think Kinnevar should be asked. He may be able to provide some useful advice, and he is technically the head of the house, I would think? If nothing else, it would be nice to keep him appraised of events, if he doesn’t already know.’ She handed the choker over to Stathis, the metal warmed by her body. The more traditional gift is rather smaller, but of similar shape. Her gaze now was clear and unwavering, staring straight into Stathis’ eyes, making her want to look away, although she couldn’t do so.

A pulse of wind washed through the clearing, making Janaxia’s hair flutter. Behind her, Stathis caught sight of movement in the trees.

‘Semari! I can see you, get out here!’

The trees rustled, Semari jumping down from the foliage, followed by a somewhat abashed-looking Parth, holding a small blue gem.

‘Parth? When did you get here? Or have you been sneaking around?’

‘Better to observe and remain unobserved.’

‘Right. Well, you should have said something! And maybe be a bit less weird? What’s that you’ve got there?’

Parth gently blew on the gem, and a stronger wind rushed out.

‘Magical gemstone of wind control or something?’

Parth nodded, tucking it into a belt-pouch, before Janaxia spoke, still in front of Stathis. ‘I guess that explains you all getting here so fast. But as the two of you are here, perhaps you could serve as witnesses?’ Her heart was pounding, her head feeling light, but she couldn’t back down now!

Janaxia turned around, sweeping her hair to the side, dipping her head and baring her neck to Stathis. Something of a… promise, made physical, I think? If you would do the honours?

‘I, um….’ A warm flush ran through Stathis, the choker heavy in her hand, her fingers twisting it in place. It was an effort of will to raise the choker, pulling it wide open, having to move in close to Janaxia, leaning over her. ‘Are you sure you don’t want anything more impressive?’

Well, we can do that later. But this is a quite acceptable start, I feel.

Stathis tried to settle it into place, carefully placing the metal around Janaxia’s neck, nothing that there were already light indentations from the choker on her skin from wearing it all the time.

Mmmmm.

Janaxia sounded deeply satisfied as the choker settled into place, clicking shut. Stathis gave it a twist, trying to be sure it was in the right place. Janaxia brushed her hands away, giving it a light twist herself, before turning back around, leaning upwards to kiss Stathis again.

Parth nodded, looking satisfied. ‘An acceptable conclusion. A binding of the darkness, to achieve peace. And a debt is owed.’ She turned to glare to look at Semari.

‘Oh, come on! I don’t see a ring!’

‘A binding has been achieved, initiated by the Child of Light.’

‘Eugh, fine. I still say that’s bullshit. I wanted a full. Like, down-on-one-knee thing. Maybe, I dunno, choirs of angels and stuff? That would have been neat to see. Or maybe some shadows trying to claw Janaxia back? Seems a little mundane, if you ask me.’

‘If the two of you could perhaps treat this with a little more gravitas? You, at least, Semari, have no diplomatic privileges, and it would be something of a shame to order you arrested. I’m sure there must be something you are guilty of.’ Despite her words, there was a wide smile on Janaxia’s face, her hand gently brushing against the metal. ‘I do hope you will be courteous to repeat the process each morning? It is rather… affirmative. Although at a later date, I do think something a little more public would be nice. And, yes, some sort of clarification around my precise role. Perhaps something diplomatic?’

Her clothing was changing, the blues now more pronounced, overflowing onto the black of her blouse.

‘I think so, yes. You’re not really suited to military command.’

Janaxia snuggled herself in close again, her eyes distractingly bright, Stathis trying to ignore Semari’s snickering. ‘Yes, that is true. But the sooner things are peaceful again, then we can spend more time together.’

Coins clicked and clinked, getting passed from Semari to Parth – Stathis saw blue-silver metal gleam. ‘Platinum!? How much are you betting?’ It was a fat stack of coins, a roll filling most of Parth’s fist before she pocketed it. That was enough to buy most of a village! Or a few weeks accommodation here.

‘A unity bound in gold, honoured in platinum.’ Parth nodded solemnly.

‘While that sounds nice, I would prefer this union perhaps be less marked by tawdry gambling? And you are a regent yourself, Parthenelle. I would not have thought you would have any lack of resources?’

‘Important. Needed.’

Stathis kept hold of Janaxia as she twisted around, so they were both facing Parth and Semari, before speaking herself. ‘What do you actually need the money for? If you need help getting hold of something, you can just ask, that might be easier.’

‘A debt to be repaid, to reclaim ancient lands.’

‘You mean some of the old elven lands? You want to buy them?’

Parth nodded.

‘Well, I suppose, now’s the time to try. Just don’t try and drive everyone off or anything! We’ve got enough shit to deal with before dealing with a new war. Maybe set up some trade towns or something?’

‘A wider opening of the ways shall be needed. Greater ease of passage, to prevent a sundering.’

Semari cackled, pumping her fist up and down, almost doubling over with laughter. Everyone turned to look at her for a moment before turning away, trying to ignore her.

‘I suppose we can start diplomatic talks soon.’

Janaxia nodded. ‘I’m sure arrangements can be made. I will look forward to the hospitality of the elven lands. Perhaps a few bottles of vintage wine might ease matters?’

‘Perhaps wait until you’re in post before asking for bribes?’ Stathis tapped the choker. ‘I could take this back.’

Janaxia’s eyes glistened with tears as she raised a protective hand. That seems rather cruel!

‘Don’t worry, I wouldn’t actually do it! Just try and behave. There’s a whole code of conduct you’ll need to follow, and you’ll have to stay in touch with Per Tolith. No independent actions, especially on anything major!’

‘Hmmm, that may take some getting used to. But I’m sure I will manage. And I suppose you will be elsewhere, no doubt busy with your own tasks?’

‘That sounds about right, yeah. Although hopefully we can still spend a lot of time together?’

Hmm, perhaps I should find a marker for you to wear. I wouldn’t want you to be thought unattached.

‘I need to be able to wear it with armour! And don’t really want anything around my neck.’

Perhaps a nice ring? Or an amulet? I’m sure there will be something appropriate in the vaults. Now that I suppose I am the heir in truth, it is mine to dispose of, at least whatever is left.

‘Maybe check it’s not cursed to start with? Just in case?’

‘True, that may be wise.’ Janaxia twisted herself into a more comfortable position, pulling Stathis’ arms around her hips, snuggling in close, hair tickling Stathis’ nose. ‘Although Skotadi may be a little… put out. She is rather jealous of my attentions. And something will need to be done to keep her busy – she is a little high-strung for diplomatic functions.’

‘And might, like, eat someone. Om nom nom. Maybe don’t let her near anyone important? Like, until she’s housetrained or something. Armoniki seems a bit sneakier, maybe let them help with spies and stuff? Although maybe putting a kinda-immortal demon-thingie in charge might be a bad idea. Especially if he keeps squabbling with his sister. Dunno what happens if they really go at it? Probably nothing good.’

‘Yes, such a dispute might be messy. And there is the Blade as well, who is even more rough than the others. Hopefully he will recover to some degree? He certainly seemed to enjoy a little roughhousing with you, as much as I could tell.’

‘Little bastard fights hard! Needs a few more slaps around the head. But he’s been through shit, so he’ll get better eventually.’

Stathis held Janaxia close, feeling warm and comfortable, trying to take solace in the calm before things got busy and chaotic. ‘I would say ask Kethys for tips, but I’m not sure I want a dark elf assassin-thief helping to raise a primordial murder-weapon. That seems like it could make things worse.’

‘Hey! She was pretty good to me. Think I turned out all right. Helped, like, save the world and stuff, didn’t I?’

Hmm, true, but I’m not entirely sure that was your doing. Stathis and myself did most of the hard work, although you did contribute somewhat.

‘I punched a lot of things! And got messed up fighting that black armoured dude! How many limbs you get broken, huh? Just lucky I’m so damn tough I healed back. Hurt like hell when Vrintar set them all!’ Semari started squaring up for a fight, Janaxia shifting comfortably back into Stathis’ arms, seeking protection.

‘This isn’t the time for a fight! Anyway, Janaxia, do you need to go speak to Skotadi, and, uh, break the news to her?’

‘Yes.’ And I will have to make sure she knows to dress appropriately for any formal occasions that may ensue due to this.

Stathis’ arms were suddenly empty as Janaxia teleported away, leaving her feeling slightly cold, wisps of black energy puffing away.

‘So, Parth, want to tell me about your plans? As I guess I’m going to need to know eventually, so better to get it over with now.’

Parth nodded, suddenly serious, as Semari jumped away, bored already.