Lady Inkwell slowly lifted a carved opal teacup to her lips, taking a sip of her favorite herbal tea. Savoring the subtly sweet floral taste of the aromatic liquid, she opened her bond with Dylis, allowing him to vicariously enjoy the beverage through her. A small feeling of gratitude drifted back through their bond as he settled in on his perch near their desk. Placing the cup down on its saucer, Lady Inkwell leaned back in her chair, and, lacing her fingers together, rested them on the surface of the table, her attention entirely on the one other person in the room.
Across from her was Sapphire Prism, her face downcast and her hands clenched in her lap, her body trembling in barely contained terror. Like Lady Inkwell, there was a cup of tea before the young marchioness, but unlike the phoenix-born, she hadn’t touched it. In fact, she’d barely moved since Lady Inkwell brought her to the table.
Lady Inkwell regarded the girl before her. Gone was the brashness, self-assurance and swagger. Instead, in its place, there was a frightened little girl that for all the world looked like she might die of fear at any moment. Raven knew that had she unleashed her full presence on the child, she very well might have.
“Sapphire,” Lady Inkwell said evenly, her voice commanding yet non-threatening. No need to spook the girl any more than she already was.
At the sound of Lady Inkwell’s voice, Sapphire jumped in her seat and scooted back in her chair, before frantically looking at the royal seneschal with wide, terror filled eyes.
“Y-y-yes, yo-your g-g-g-grace?” Sapphire stammered.
“Young one, I’m not going to hurt you,” Lady Inkwell said with a calming tone. “We’re just here to talk. You and I. One on one.”
“A-a-a-about what, your grace?” Sapphire stammered, her trembling body still looking fragile and terrified.
“There are a great many things we could discuss,” Lady Inkwell said. “But, I think that first and foremost, I’m curious what you think of your tea?”
“M-m-my tea?” Sapphire said as she flinched back a little.
“Yes, your tea. It’s one of my special blends, and I’m curious what you think,” Lady Inkwell said as she gestured to the cup before Sapphire. “Please, drink.”
Looking down at the teacup before her, Sapphire stared at it for several seconds, as if not sure what to do. Then, with slow, trembling fingers, she reached forward and lifted the cup. Shakily, she lifted the vessel to her lips, and, after bringing up a second hand to steady it, took a small sip. The instant the hot liquid passed her lips, her eyes went wide as she slowly brought the cup away and looked at the emerald green drink, her expression shifting away from terror to shocked awe.
“Well?” Raven said, taking another sip of her own tea.
“I-i-i-it’s delicious, your grace,” Sapphire said as she stared at the tea with wonder. “It’s the most delicious tea I’ve ever tasted.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Lady Inkwell said, setting her cup down and folding her hands again. “The leaves and blossoms come from my private garden.”
“Th-thank you for sharing such a thing with me, your grace,” Sapphire said as she took another sip, her tremors starting to settle down as she focused her attention on her tea. “I know I don’t deserve such a gift.”
“You are quite welcome, young one,” Lady Inkwell said evenly.
A few moments of silence passed as the two sun-gazers sat at the table drinking their tea. Watching Sapphire closely, Lady Inkwell saw the girl’s tremors slow and her breathing become more relaxed.
“Well, now that we’ve had our tea, I think it’s time that we have a little discussion,” Lady Inkwell said evenly as she regarded Sapphire.
All at once, Sapphire froze up and looked at Lady Inkwell, the terror coming back full force.
“About?” Sapphire asked slowly, the fear starting to seep back into her eyes.
“Well, to begin, I want to ask you a question: what does it mean to be worthy?” Lady Inkwell asked as her eyes met Sapphire’s.
Sapphire could only stare into Lady Inkwell’s eyes, as if she were trying to comprehend what the words she’d been asked meant. For what felt like an eternity, youthful turquoise staring into ancient, ageless orange-brown.
“What?” Was the only answer Sapphire could muster.
“I’m asking you, what does it mean to be worthy?” Lady Inkwell repeated without any recrimination. “What, in your eyes, makes a person worthy?”
“I… I’m not sure,” Sapphire said as she continued to stare at Lady Inkwell. “I guess being born to a noble family in Heliopolis, and having a title.”
“That’s not quite what I meant, young one,” Lady Inkwell said evenly. “That’s, in a sense, what it means to be a noble. But that’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking what makes one a worthy person, not what makes a person a noble.”
Sapphire could only stare mutely at Lady Inkwell, a dumbfounded look on her face.
“Come now Sapphire, you must have some idea,” Lady Inkwell said warmly.
“I… guess someone who is worthy is someone who is just. Somebody who is honorable and righteous,” Sapphire said uncertainly, looking to Lady Inkwell for confirmation.
“Go on,” Lady Inkwell said encouragingly.
“Well, someone worthy is both moral in mind and deed, and strives to live up to the highest ideals of Solaria by living by the values Queen Celestia has laid down for us at the birth of the nation. They strive for excellence, and to prove their devotion to their nation through their actions,” Sapphire said with a little more confidence.
Lady Inkwell nodded once as Sapphire finished, folding her arms over her breast.
“That is an acceptable answer,” she said, before looking back at Sapphire. “And, what are the four core ideals that Celestia asked us to live by?”
“Um?” Sapphire said, unsure of herself, before bowing her head in thought. “Obey your betters? Family is the most important thing in one’s life… I think. I’m sorry, your grace, I don’t know the others.”
“I see,” Lady Inkwell said, her voice carrying no judgment. “Then allow me to enlighten you. The four principles that Celestia asked all Solarians to live by are: Honor and cherish one’s family and friends, no matter the form they take. Show kindness to those around you, even when it may not benefit you. Be generous to those you meet, especially those who are in need. And, know your place in the order of things by following those who have earned the right to lead.”
“Oh,” Sapphire said softly. “I’m sorry, your grace.”
“Apology accepted, young one,” Lady Inkwell said. “So, we’ve defined how someone who is worthy acts. Now, perhaps we can address another question: is anyone inherently worthy?”
“Well, yes, the nobility is inherently worthy,” Sapphire said almost mechanically.
“So one automatically is worthy without deed or virtue?” Lady Inkwell asked, before picking up her cup and taking a sip of tea.
“Um… yes… the nobility are by definition more worthy than others. Right?” Sapphire said, her voice now unsure.
“I see. So, one can be worthy by nature,” Lady Inkwell said as she crossed her leg, before lacing her fingers together and resting them on her calf. “But, if we’ve said that someone is worthy by the quality of their actions, and by living up to the Queen’s ideals, does that mean that someone lives up to those ideals simply by being born? Or does one need to act in a way that is worthy?”
Sapphire opened her mouth to speak, only to close it and re-open it several times, before bowing her head in defeat.
“Well… I… uh… I don’t know…” Sapphire admitted under her breath.
“I’m glad you were willing to admit that, young one,” Lady Inkwell said. “Let’s try something else. Tell me, are you familiar with the term noblesse oblige?”
“I’ve… heard it, but I’m afraid I don’t know what it means. I’m sorry, your grace,” Sapphire said.
“It’s a phrase that signifies what it means to be a noble,” Lady Inkwell said, before taking another sip of her tea. “Noblesse oblige is the principle that if one is a noble, they must be held to a higher standard of conduct. And that those of higher rank in the nobility are held to a higher standard of nobility than those of lower rank. It also means that as a noble, one is responsible for those under their care. It means that if one is a noble, they must be sure to live up to the ideals of Solaria. In other words, they are expected to maintain a level of worthiness that acts as an example to others because of the position of power they occupy.”
Lady Inkwell carefully watched Sapphire’s expression. After a few moments, there appeared to be a click of understanding.
“I… think I understand, your grace. To be a noble means that you are not inherently worthy, but rather, that you are held to a higher standard of behavior, because your position means you must show you are worthy of holding it.” Sapphire said, her expression brightening. “Is that right?”
“Good. Well done,” Lady Inkwell said with a slight smile, before her expression returned to its unreadable resting neutral. “Now, have you lived up to that?”
Sapphire’s face suddenly fell as her elation was replaced by confusion.
“I… I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” Sapphire said.
“For the last month, have you acted in a way that was worthy?” Lady Inkwell repeated levely and calmly, as if she were asking about what the weather was like outside. “Have you lived up to the ideals of kindness, generosity, friendship and deference that Celestia asks of her children? Have you proven your worthiness?”
Sapphire could only stair dumbly at Lady Inkwell, the question slamming into her like the corrosive, hurricane force breath of a crag linnorm.
“Um…” Sapphire said, before closing her mouth and curling up.
“Because from where I’m sitting, you did not. Do I need to explain why?” Lady Inkwell asked in the same level way as before.
“I… have some idea, your grace,” Sapphire mumbled.
“Go on,” Lady Inkwell said with a wave of her hand.
“It was made very clear to me when you gave me my assignment. I disobeyed you, and took for granted that I should have been given a high-ranking assignment,” Sapphire said. “But, there’s something I don’t understand, your grace.”
“Which is?” Lady Inkwell asked.
“Why did you bring that di… that outsider here. She’s an orphan, and she’s not from Heliopolis,” Sapphire said desperately. “Why would you want someone like that here? She has no family, which is an affront to the very idea of one of the core tenants you told me about. And she’s not from Heliopolis. There’s no way that someone not born in Celestia’s light can be worthy, right?”
“Sapphire,” Lady Inkwell said in a gentle voice, “I brought her because I wanted her here. Just as I wanted all of you here.”
“But then why did you keep her around after she struck me,” Sapphire protested. “She’s a commoner. I’m a marchioness. She should have been exiled or imprisoned for laying a hand on me.”
“Do you remember what I said the first day?” Lady Inkwell asked. “I said that while you were here, everyone was an equal. It did not matter your title, or where you came from. When you were here, you were Solarians, and nothing more.”
Sapphire could only stare numbly at Lady Inkwell.
“Furthermore, you started it when you attacked her. You did not follow my decree of treating her as an equal. And, you destroyed a gift from her family,” Lady Inkwell continued. “And encouraged others to try to do the same.”
“But… she has no family. She’s a foundling.” Sapphire meekly protested.
“Sapphire, have you heard of the sister or brotherhood oath?” Lady Inkwell asked.
“I… no, I haven’t.” Sapphire said, looking confused.
“I suppose that’s not surprising. Then allow me to enlighten you. It’s a practice in the Western territory. When you're close to someone who is not of your blood, and you love them like a sister or brother, there is a ceremony where you swear an oath of family with one another,” Lady Inkwell said, before adjusting her glasses. “To a Westerner, that oath is as strong and binding as blood. And Sunset has three such oath-sisters. Oath-sisters that gave her the very book you destroyed out of petty spite.”
A look of shock settled onto Sapphire’s face.
“But… family doesn’t work like that. Family is blood and lineage,” Sapphire protested.
“In Heliopolis,” Lady Inkwell corrected. “But in the West, things work differently.”
Taking another sip of her tea, Lady Inkwell reached out and picked up the teapot and refilled her cup.
“So, you see, she does have a family. And one she’s very close to,” Lady Inkwell continued. “Do you understand why she attacked you so violently when you destroyed her book? She did it because it was a gift from her oath-sisters. A gift from her family. If she had vindictively destroyed something your parents gave to you out of love, how would you respond?”
Sapphire sighed and looked down at her hands in shame.
“I would probably have done the same thing…” Sapphire said. “But she’s still an outsider. Outsiders aren’t welcome in Heliopolis. Only Celestia’s chosen are.”
“Sapphire, the Queen does not believe that,” Lady Inkwell said.
“But, my parents, uncle and General Steel Sentry say that it's true,” Sapphire meekly protested.
“Sapphire, please look at me,” Lady Inkwell said. Slowly, Sapphire lifted her head and met Lady Inkwell’s eyes once more. “Steel Sentry does not speak for the queen. I do. And I’m telling you that Queen Celestia loves all of her sun-gazers, both that live within her city, and those who do not.”
“I…” Sapphire stammered.
“And if I personally invited her, then how can she not be welcome?” Lady Inkwell asked.
Once again, Sapphire could provide no response.
“It seems like you’re finally starting to understand why your behavior has been unacceptable, if not downright deplorable,” Lady Inkwell said.
“I… I think so, your grace,” Sapphire said. “Am I going to be exiled for this.”
Lady Inkwell shook her head.
“No. The consequences of your actions are your assignment for the rite,” Lady Inkwell said. “But, consider it motivation to be better.”
“Be better?” Sapphire asked.
“Yes. Be better,” Lady Inkwell said. “When the rite has ended, remember what I’ve told you. Use the consequences of your actions as a motivator to live up to the Queen’s expectations for you as a member of the nobility.”
“I… I’ll try, your grace.” Sapphire said.
“Then there’s hope that you will be the kind of noble that Celestia and I wish that you could be,” Lady Inkwell said warmly. “Now, finish your tea, and then you’re free to go.”
*****
Early evening had finally fully settled in as Raven sat at her desk, Dylis resting on her shoulder as she finished her paperwork for the day. Logistics needed to be finalized for the rite, from security, to ensuring that all of the food was prepared properly, to a million other things that had to be done. There was always so much to do, and always so little time to do it.
Unlike most sun-gazers, who saw the dusk as a fading of the Queen’s light and the rise of the Traitor’s darkness, neither Raven or Dylis dreaded the fading of the sun. Instead, it brought a sort of melanchole combined with a sense of longing older than the nation they administered.
Truthfully, in an age long ago, this time of day was one of their favorites. Though not because it marked the end of their duties to the sisters. No, she once loved it because it had been one of the rare opportunities they had to see their former friends among the Traitor’s star-singers. Including, in the century leading up to the Splintering, someone that Raven had loved like a little sister.
A wistful sigh escaped Raven’s throat as she stamped the last form for the day, and leaned forward in her chair. Placing her elbows on the edge of the desk, she laced her fingers together and rested her forehead on their back, her thumbs pressed into the bridge of her nose.
Most days, she could keep the memories from surfacing. But in the days leading up to a new ascension, they always found a way to force themselves to the surface. Sometimes, they were welcome. Most times, they were not. But, they always found a way to float up from the deepest part of her mind and make themselves known.
Closing her eyes, if she allowed herself to drift to an age long gone. Into a shining city of marble and onyx. To a grand amphitheater meant for only two beings: the Sisters. The memories continued, and she found herself lost in the beautiful, otherworldly sound of the star-singers’ voices joining together into the Chorus of Stars as she and the other Flame Weaver’s danced together in the dusk. She could still remember the feeling of the Chorus’s songs flowing through her, kindling her flame as she wove it into the spells she would cast for the entertainment and glory of her Queen and the Traitor.
With a tired sigh, she forced the memory out of her mind. That wasn’t her world anymore. It had been gone and dead for over fifteen hundred years. After the Splintering.
After the Traitor turned on the Queen, and their people went to war.
Fifteen hundred years since she’d been forced to fight, and kill, night-weavers she’d once considered family in the name of ending the Traitor’s rebellion. In the name of her Queen. And forced to watch as her fellow sun-gazers were likewise slaughtered by the Traitor’s followers.
Watch as her fellow phoenix-born were slain.
Before the Splintering, there had been eight others among her kind. Yet, by the time that the Empress returned to end the fighting, and exiled the Queen and the Traitor to the far ends of Impracordia, she was the last.
All of the other phoenix-born had fallen in the war.
Yet she remained.
Alone except for Dylis and the Queen.
Now, even after all these years, even the good memories the early evening brought were tainted by the bitter taste of loss and lingering sorrow. Those happy times were like a faded dream, long lost in an age that only existed in memory.
Even her dreams had faded and vanished with the Splintering and the sun-gazers’ exile from the dreamscape, leaving only a dark, empty oblivion when sleep claimed her.
A warm body pressed itself against the right side of her head as Dylis cuddled up to her. Closing her eyes, she reached up and placed a hand on his right wing, leaning her head against his breast as he rubbed his head gently against hers and wrapped his free wing around the back of her head.
Thank you, Raven sent to Dylis.
Of course, Dylis sent back.
Raven could feel Dylis’s concern through their bond, and she held him a little closer.
You’re remembering them again, Dylis sent through their bond. Sapphire Shores and Isis.
Yes. It’s hard not to when someone with such a similar name’s around, Raven sent back before sighing wistfully.
I know. I miss them too, Dylis sent back.
Some days, I wonder if she survived the war, Raven sent as she petted Dylis’s wing, savoring the warmth and softness of his feathers against her hand. Did she make it, and is still out there, somewhere, still serving the Traitor?
It's a question that I doubt we’ll ever know the answer to, Dylis sent and he rubbed the side of his face on Raven’s forehead, slow, soft trills escaping his throat. No matter how much we wish we could.
I know, Raven sent. Thank you.
Always, Dylis sent with a feeling of deep and warm affection.
As Dylis withdrew his wing, Raven removed her hand and opened her eyes. The moment passed, and Raven set about collecting the final stack of papers on her desk. Once gathered, she tapped their edges on the surface of her desk, forming them into a neat bundle, before wrapping them with a thin ribbon and storing them in one of the drawers.
As she finished her final task for the day, her eyes wandered over to her tea-table, the teapot and two empty teacups on its surface.
The setting for her meeting with the girl she’d been forced to nearly break earlier.
After Raven had dismissed Sapphire, she’d watched as the girl slowly made her way out of the room, her posture drooped and tired. Were Raven weaker, she might have felt a pang of remorse; much of the young woman’s spirit had been snuffed by being directly in the line of her displeasure.
But, it had to be done.
The child could not be allowed to get away with such open insubordination. And, there was too much at stake to risk everything being derailed by her misguided attempts at subverting her authority in favor of Steel’s twisted ideology.
Raven hoped that Sapphire truly understood and internalized why her actions were unacceptable and became the kind of Solarian that Raven wished she would be. But there was always the possibility that this whole thing would strengthen Steel’s hold on her once she got back home and was near his influence again. No doubt Amethyst Mirage would complain to Steel over the whole event, and how Raven had ‘broken’ or ‘tainted’ his daughter.
She’d have to start watching the girl and her family a little more closely from now on.
But, such was the game she was playing against the General for the heart of the nation.
Lifting her arm to her shoulder, Raven offered it to Dylis. As soon as the limb was close enough, he climbed onto her forearm, then turned to face her as she rose and walked to the window. In the early evening light, the heart of Heliopolis was still breathtaking, the fading sun adding contrast to the vast, divine landscape and the blessed edifice at its heart.
I know that look, Dylis sent to Raven as she stared out the window. Need I remind you that the child earned what she got, and gave us what we need to undercut Steel and Highblood.
I know, Raven sent back as she brought her left hand up to scratch the back of Dylis’s head, savoring the pleasurable sensation that her partner was sending to her. I just can’t stand to see the state that things have reached.
That is not your fault, Dylis sent back as he rubbed his head affectionately on Raven’s hand. You help the Queen administer the entire nation. You can’t do that, and babysit Heliopolis too. We just need to put our hope into the girl.
It’s going to be a delicate game, no doubt about it, Raven sent, before her brows furrowed with frustration. The girl has so much potential. I just worry what Steel and his allies will attempt once they realize that their plans have been thwarted.
That is assuming that they are thwarted, Dylis sent in a serious tone. I would not put it past Steel to have caught wind of what’s going on, and moved to stop it.
True, Raven sent with a tired sigh. But, it’s not as though we haven’t been playing this game with him for centuries now, is it, my other soul?
Don't remind me, Dylis sent back, before his feathers bristled slightly as he sensed a new presence in the room. A familiar presence that would inevitably twist his feathers in a knot. Speaking of painful annoyances, we have a guest.
Taking in the sensation that Dylis shared with her, Raven’s mouth turned up into a slight smirk as she recognized the source of her partner’s irritation.
“I know you’re there,” Raven said without turning around, addressing the air of her otherwise unoccupied office. “You can come out now.”
In response to Raven’s call, there was a slight ripple in the air near the door, and a form materialized as though revealed through the heat shimmer of a mirage.
“Evening boss,” The brick-red skinned, black haired sky-runner said as she leaned against the wall adjacent to the door, her arms crossed over her chest and a relaxed, cocky smirk on her face. Unlike her usual unassuming and banal attire, she was now wearing a smart, dark red pair of slacks, wide blue, red and violet striped scarf-belt and white blouse with a golden bolo tie. “One of these days, I swear I’m going to finally get the drop on you.”
Not while I’m here, you wacko, Dylis thought as he fluffed up his feathers irritably, narrowed his eyes and hissed loudly at the woman.
Be nice, Raven gently chided.
“Nice to see you too, Mr. Grumpus,” the woman said to Dylis as her cocky smile shifted into an irritating smirk, before pushing herself off the wall and approaching the window. Upon reaching Raven and Dylis, she bowed slightly and took up a position next to the royal seneschal.
“You know the bow’s unnecessary, old friend,” Raven said with a chuckle as she brought Dylis up to her right shoulder, which he climbed onto. “We’ve known each other far too long.”
“Oh, let me have my fun, Raven,” the woman said cockily.
Raven chuckled warmly and rolled her eyes.
“Dawn Wings, your idea of fun is giving other people splitting headaches or driving them to drink, so you’ll understand if I don’t want to indulge you in your hobbies,” Raven said as she gave her friend a sidelong glance.
I just wish she’d stop doing it to us, Dylis sent with an irritated huff.
At least she’s not boring to have around,, Raven sent as she looked at Dawn Wings. “Now, I take it that this isn’t a social visit. What do you have to report, spymaster?”
“Nothing good, I’m afraid,” Dawn Wings said as she crossed her arms, her brows furrowing in irritation. “You were right. The results were tampered with. It’s taken my Eyes this long to track everything down, and even then, nothing has led directly back to you-know-who.”
“That’s not surprising,” Raven said with a huff. “He’s a cagey bastard. But since his great-grandson is part of the ‘chosen few’, he’s obviously involved. Even if the boy does have a powerful flame.”
“But not compared to the kid?” Dawn Wings asked.
“No. But, the girl’s flame is one of the purest and strongest we’ve seen in centuries. I doubt we’ll get another like her for generations,” Raven admitted, before her expression turned serious. “What about the others?”
“Nothing too incriminating, but here’s what I’ve got,” Dawn Wings said as she passed a medium sized envelope to Raven, who took it and, weaving her free hand through the air, shrunk the folder and stuck it in the pocket of her vest.
“Thank you,” Lady Inkwell said, her voice losing a bit of its warmth. “Dawn Wings, I know it’s only recently come to our attention, but have you got anything on the threats made to the girl’s home in Golden Tree?”
“Oh, sun’s light, that’s a giant bucket of fang worms, let me tell you,” Dawn Wings said with an annoyed groan. “From what little I could gather on such short notice, Ruby and Amethyst were making inquiries into purchasing the land the orphanage is on. From what the Eyes found, they were planning to push the town hard if Sapphire gave them the word.”
“That is very disappointing to hear,” Raven said, her brows furrowing. “Do you know who currently owns the land?”
“It belongs to the town of Golden Tree,” Dawn Wings reported. “The land and building have been rented by Tender Heart’s family for at least three generations, so the town was not inclined to sell, especially to Heliopolans. That said, I don’t think either of those shade-lovers are going to let this go.”
“Keep me apprised of the situation, and move to intervene if need be,” Raven said coldly. “I’ll personally contact the town clerk if I have to. If everything goes right, we don’t want the girl actively seeking retribution against Heliopolis.”
“So, I take it that she’s what you’re looking for?” Dawn Wings asked as she turned to face Raven more fully.
“She’s rough, but I think that we can use that to our advantage,” Raven said, narrowing her eyes. “And, she’s got the kind of fire that’s going to let her hold her own against them when the time comes.”
“I still don’t like what she’s had to go through,” Dawn Wings said, her tone losing most of its geniality. “Was all this really necessary? I mean, prodigy or not, she's still a little girl.”
“Dawn Wings…” Raven began.
“I know, I know! But, it still doesn’t feel right,” Dawn Wings said quickly. “You’re always telling me I can speak my mind, so I’m speaking my mind.”
Raven closed her eyes and allowed herself to sigh. Dawn Wings was one of her only true friends she had aside from Dylis, Roseluck, Amara and the Queen. And that friendship meant the spymaster was annoyingly comfortable with questioning her. Something Raven had to admit, she both honestly enjoyed and found very irritating.
“Right now, the girl’s like a rough cut fire ruby,” Raven said as she opened her eyes and turned to face her friend. “Had your investigations not made me suspect that something was awry with the tests, we would probably have never found her. Yet, if she’s going to be the beautiful gem that both the Western Territory and Solaria needs, she has to be cut in just the right ways. I know it has not been easy on her, and that the days ahead will be as painful, if not more so, but it needed to happen this way. We can’t afford another Spitfire.”
Dawn Wings’ face darkened at the sound of the youngest phoenix-born's name.
“True. Steel doesn't need another puppet dancing on his strings,” Dawn Wings said tersely. “So, do you think the kid’s got what it takes?”
“She has to,” Raven said as she reached up with her right hand and stroked Dylis’s head, earning a happy trill from the phoenix, before transferring him to her shoulder. “I can count on you to do your part, right?”
“Of course,” Dawn Wings said with a smile. “You know I’d follow you into the Chaos and back.”
“Thank you Dawn W…” Raven began, only to be cut off by Dawn Wings.
“I mean, who wouldn’t want to follow you. Have you seen your butt?” Dawn Wings said as she leaned to the side to admire Raven’s backside, earning another angry hiss from Dylis. “I mean just over two thousand years old, and doesn’t look a day over twenty five. My dear hubby’s got a nice ass, but it ain’t can’t hold a candle to yours Raven. Chaos, I’m not even into women like that, and I think it's impressive.”
Can I please set her on fire now? Dylis sent to Raven as he glared at Dawn Wings.
No, Raven sent back as she brought her left hand up to her forehead, closed her eyes and began to rub her temples with her thumb and index finger. As she did, a thin tendril of living flame unwound itself from her bun and lashed out at Dawn Wings, who ducked it effortlessly with a laugh. I’m reserving that pleasure for myself.
“Dawn Wings, you’re lucky you’re too useful to banish,” Raven said with an exasperated groan, one that all three of the room’s occupants knew was mostly for show.
“Darn right I’m lucky. If I wasn’t useful, I wouldn’t get to look at the nicest buns in all of Solaria whenever I came to make a report,” Dawn Wings said as she evaded another lash of Raven’s hair.
Seriously, just the primaries on her left wing. She can survive without flying for a couple weeks! Dylis protested with an irritated mental laugh.
Not going to happen. Raven sent back.
“Please leave before I decide to have you exiled from Heliopolis,” Raven said with a laugh as she looked at her friend with an irritated smile.
“At least the last memory I’ll have is of the finest bread loaves in the city,” Dawn Wings laughed as she twisted away from another swipe.
Just one bite then. I’m sure if we worked together, I could get the tip of one of her ears, Dylis sent with a mental smirk as he watched Dawn Wings duck and weave around Raven’s halfhearted attempts to smack her.
Nope, Raven sent.
“You are a degenerate, you know that, right?” Raven said with a groan as she crossed her arms and shook her head with a laugh, the tendril of flame retracting back into the fiery corona on her head.
“I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t,” Dawn Wings said with a smile. “So, since you’re done for the evening, how about the three of us go and get a drink. I’ve got a bottle of fifty-year old sparkberry cognac that’s been looking for some company, and it’d be such a shame to disappoint it.”
As long as it doesn't involve rats this time, Dylis sent with a grumble.
“Amber Leaf’s label?” Raven said with a raised eyebrow and a smile.
“Vineyard 12. Nothing but the best for you and Dylis,” Dawn Wings said with a matching smile.
“Well, okay, you’ve convinced me not to have you exiled,” Raven said with a smirk, before gesturing to the door. “Shall we?”
“After you,” Dawn Wings said as she walked to the door and opened it for Raven and Dylis.
“Thank you. Oh, and Dawn Wings?” Raven said as she walked to the door. Right as she passed Dawn Wings, her hair tendril suddenly emerged again and, swift as a striking snake, cuffed Dawn Wings across the forehead, earning a pained yelp from her friend. Stopping in her tracks, Raven gave her a sidelong glance. “That was for the comment about my butt, you pervert.”
“Worth it,” Dawn Wings said with a laugh as she rubbed her forehead where Raven had smacked her. "Besides, you know you love me."
“Yet I have no idea why,” Raven said with a smirk.
Because you enjoy the irritation? Dylis sent sarcastically.
Probably, Raven sent back.
“One of the greatest mysteries of all time,” Dawn Wings said as the three of them headed towards the south exit.