"I am ruin!"

"That's nice."

"You cannot hope to contain me!"

"I'd say those ropes are doing a mighty fine job." Donnel would never consider himself good a wrangling; but when he saw the crazy floating girl threatening to end everyone, it was much easier to just toss the lasso. Upon closer inspection, something was awfully familiar about her cloak, and hair … "Golly, ya look just like Robin!" He exclaimed.

"What an astute observation," Grima replied sarcastically, "Now let me go, fleshbag, and I'll make your death painless!"

"That's certainly one way to guarantee your imprisonment." A knife touched Grima's throat. Kagero had straddled the fell dragon. Grima snarled in response, but didn't move. "Not interested in fighting back?" She didn't answer, but she hardly moved while the ninja threatened her. "No?" She repeated.

A voice interrupted the scene. "It's not that she doesn't want to," Ishtar said, "It's more that she's incapable of such a thing." She had entered from a nearby stairwell. Other heroes began walking in, attempting to make out what the commotion was. "She was summoned here by Kiran, so she can't attack us."

"She seemed to make a strong attempt earlier." Came a snarky response. Clarisse had her bow pulled out, cradling an arrow in her other hand. "I guess if I can't shoot her, that'll solve that problem." She pulled back the bowstring, and took aim. Her hand struggled to place the arrow for a few seconds, before she clicked her tongue in frustration. "Alright, I suppose she's clear for now."

"For now?!" Grima shouted, "You witless amoeba! Untie me this instant!"

"Donnel, you and Kagero take her into the cells." Clarisse muttered. She turned to Ishtar as Grima was taken away. "So how did you know?"

"I saw Kiran summon her." Ishtar replied simply. "He told me to go help out, while he got the tacticians together." Clarisse pouted, but said nothing. "Is there a problem?"

"It's nothing." She replied hastily. It was better to not let Ishtar know that she was slightly jealous. After all, it took her months before Kiran trusted her to do anything in his stead. "I … I just don't think we've ever summoned an evil dragon before."

"The times are changing, Clarisse." from up a nearby stairwell came the weary voice of the summoner. He led the tacticians down the steps, entering the old halls of the decrepit fortress. "She's not exactly the kind of hero I wanted to summon, but I'll take what I can get." The sniper frowned, and sat on a nearby barrel. "I know it's not ideal, but -"

"She did threaten our lives, so she's not really giving off the best first impression." Clarisse interrupted, her scowl more pronounced at each word. Whatever that Grima was, she certainly believed that she could easily kill everyone in the room, and that put the archer on edge, to say the least. She felt arms wrap around her tightly. A shock of purple hair sat under her chin. Clarisse blushed a little bit. Katerina refused to let go, digging her face into her chest. "Hey Reese, what the hell are you doing?" She asked, in a poor attempt to be good-natured. "It's not like I was in actual danger or anything, apparently." She didn't receive an answer, just a tighter embrace.

"Sorry, I mentioned the name 'Grima' and Robin and Chrom didn't take it well." Kiran explained sheepishly. The aforementioned duo looked slightly embarrassed. "It looks like it was less on an issue than we thought it would be, though."

Robin frowned at that. "If she is who she says she is, we should exercise caution," he looked at Chrom and back to Kiran, "I think we should keep her locked up, just in case."

"If she really is a powerful dragon, she'd be a powerful asset." Soren argued. He and Lyn had carried Reinhardt from the steps and sat him down.

"A dragon we could never truly trust," Robin countered, "Tell me, what kind of asset would that be?" They all pondered for a moment. While the fell dragon could easily shift the pieces against Muspell, Robin and Chrom were adamant that the potential dangers were too great.

"There must be something she'd like," Lyn finally said, "Could we possibly barter with her?"

"Seems unlikely," Aversa noted, "Our Grima was never interested in anything other than destruction."

Reinhardt spoke up. "I could talk to her if you like," he offered, "I felt a distinct connection between us." Aversa gave him a look that bordered on disgust and pity, before shaking her head.

"No, no," she replied, "It needs to be someone she would've been acquainted with, which leaves Chrom, Robin, and I." She looked over her brother for a moment. "Alright, just Chrom and I."

"Hey!" Robin began to protest, but Chrom put a hand on his shoulder.

"Despite all her teasing, she's right," Chrom said firmly, "I doubt she'll have anything to say to herself, no offense meant."

"None taken, but I know myself best, maybe I can …"

"I think I should go." Robin frowned.

"You can't always go in alone."

"I fully expect you to have my back, friend."

Robin rubbed his temples. "Fine," he finally said, "I'll go get Sumia and Lucina, you'll listen to them." The tactician looked at Aversa. "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid?"

"I'll give it my full attention."

"That goes for the rest of you." He pointed to the others nearby, before running off. When she was certain he was a fair distance away, Aversa turned to Chrom and smiled.

"I'm giving you my full attention," she said, "So why don't you go do something stupid?"

Drip

Grima really appreciated the aesthetic of the cells in this fortress. Damp slate gray walls, a poorly made bed, sturdy metal bars … She took a second to admire the whole scene. It was rather picturesque, though there were other scenes she'd prefer.

Drip

"The water is a nice touch, humans are always good at this," She noted aloud, "Torture, I mean." If Grima had to pick her favorite ability, it would be her ability to feel other people's presence. It wasn't like they were trying to be quiet, but the reactions she used to get were absolutely worth it. The fell dragon turned around, and her smug expression immediately dropped. "Well, I'm quite familiar with you two."

Chrom and Aversa stood in front of her. Aversa looked slightly more tense than Chrom, who was still taking in the dragon. Yes, it certainly is that fool. She thought.

Drip

"I'll leave the two of you alone." Aversa said quietly, "I'll intercept Robin and the others."

"It shouldn't take too long," Chrom replied, "I just want to confirm something." The dark flier nodded, and made her way up the steep stairwell. Grima scoffed, turning to the Exalt.

"She's changed quite a bit," she remarked, "Unlike you. Still looking the part of a princely maggot, are we?" Chrom didn't respond immediately, taking the moment to really look Grima over.

"So is the Robin in there completely gone, or what?" was all he asked. Grima's eyes reflected such hate, it almost manifested into a physical form.

"That's all you have to say?" She asked, "Your own killer, in the flesh, and that's it?"

Drip

"It's all I really care to know."

Grima pondered for a moment. To tell the truth, she wasn't quite sure how much of her was Robin and how much was Grima. Her hate for humanity, that was certainly Grima; but she remembered more than she wanted to admit. "She's not completely gone." She finally said. Best not to tell him everything. Chrom was silent, clearly pondering something. Once again, he was nearly as irritating as his daughter.

Drip

"It'll be confusing to call both of you Robin," he finally said, "But I'd rather call you that than Grima."

"Grima is what you shall call me, you insolent worm," she snarled, "To call me that weak pitiful name is nothing less than a-"

"But it is your name," Chrom retorted, "You might not be the Robin from my world, but it's clear you're still a Robin." Grima grabbed the bars, attempting to intimidate the Exalt. He merely smiled. "I assume you were my tactician at one point?"

"Unfortunately."

"Did we ever lose?"

"... Once."

He smiled again, "I assume I was – what did Robin call me – a 'impulsive, heart-led imbecile?" Grima impulsively chuckled. This Robin wasn't too different from her, after all. That was good, at least.

"You were the worst."

Drip

"I'm assuming it cost me, like he always said it would."

"Yes. It cost you your insignificant life." Chrom just nodded in response, as if he expected as much. "Okay, that's enough talking. Go back to your little anthill, little ant." He nodded at this as well, and stood to leave. He paused at the door, and faced the fell dragon.

"I'll convince them to let you out. I wouldn't let our Robin stay here, I won't let that happen to you."

"Always the chivalrous gentleman," Grima replied sarcastically, "Please save this damsel in distress."

Drip

He didn't reply, and shut the door behind him. All Grima had with her was the constant dripping of the water.

Ishtar was perplexed, to say the least. Kiran sat at his makeshift desk, talking to an owl that had perched on the window. She had come in for a cup of tea, perhaps a quick conversation … but now she was pulled into this bizarre interaction.

"Wow, all by yourself? Quite brave of you, Feh." The owl glistened with pride, shaking her head eagerly. "We owe you quite a bit. How about I ask Sumia or Peri to bake you a cake when we get back?" He pet the owl, who seemed to coo nervously. "Oh, we will make it back, you silly one! Anyways, you should check on Sharena. She would love to see your face right now!" The owl, seemingly understanding this, lightly hopped off her porch, and fluttered out over the rest of the fortress.

"I'm assuming you know that bird." Ishtar noted, sipping her tea carefully.

"Either that or I'm completely insane." Kiran replied.

"It wouldn't be the first time." The mage kept a straight face, but Kiran could see a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"First time for what?" The summoner didn't expect a response, and didn't receive one. The silence was surprisingly comfortable. He might've even called it nice. Kiran felt pretty good about where he stood with the 'Goddess of Thunder', but there was a little trepidation there. It had only been a few days really, and they were still learning a lot about each other. But he felt at ease, like she hadn't ever not been around.

"So what did the owl bring?" Ishtar finally asked. Kiran shook his hands eagerly, and pulled out the small satchel Feh had brought in.

"Orbs." He replied.

"Are you sure summoning another hero is wise?"

"The last one was just a fluke!" Kiran looked excited, "I have a good feeling this time."

Ishtar raised an eyebrow, "Spoken like a true gambler." She replied with a wry smile. A harsh knock on the door brought them back to reality. The door swung open, and Clarisse and Katarina strutted in.

"I saw Feh fly by, Kiran," She announced, shaking with anticipation, "Did she the bring the goods?"

"Did she ever!" Kiran opened the satchel, revealing some 30 orbs, "You know what this means?"

"Big summons!" Katarina and Ishtar looked at each other, surprised by the duo's outbursts. Clarisse grabbed Katarina by the hands. "C'mon, you wet noodle! This is a celebration!"

"W-what are we celebrating?" The tactician-in-training squeaked out. Ishtar looked out the window. Reinhardt was pacing the courtyard outside, clearly looking troubled.

"You'll have to celebrate without me," she said, "It looks like I have some business to take care of."

Clarisse jokingly stuck her tongue out. "Party pooper!" However, Kiran looked a little concerned.

"I'll see you tonight?" He asked.

"I would never hope to miss it." Ishtar replied, before taking her leave of the remaining trio. Kiran looked at the door longingly, before Clarisse's glare pierced his personal space.

"Oh, right, summoning!"

A troubled Chrom sat in the courtyard, observing the rest of the heroes that meandered around the fortress. While Sumia was more than understanding; Lucina, his precious daughter, had lectured him for a solid five minutes. Now both of them were off training or scouting, leaving him alone with his thoughts. It seemed he wasn't the only one, as Reinhardt was pacing not ten feet away.

"I don't think I've ever seen such a glum expression on your face before." A nasal but intense voice perked up from behind. The teal mop of Ephraim's struck a harsh contrast with the gray stone behind him. "What's got the Exalt bothered?"

"Prince Ephraim, it's a pleasure," Chrom responded, "I may have done something a little foolish, and I worried quite a few people."

"Ah." Ephraim tapped his chin in thought. "I'm not very good with this stuff, but how about we spar? That always helps my mood." Chrom chuckled, and stood up. He stretched his arms lightly, turning the prince's direction.

"You're just looking for a sparring partner."

Ephraim raised a hand. "Guilty as charged, but we haven't sparred in a few weeks. It would be good for both of us."

"I have no argument against that," Chrom admitted, "I certainly could use work against a lance."

Reinhardt looked at the duo as they walked towards the training grounds. He continued boring a ring into the courtyard floor. Back at the castle, there were plenty of things to do. He could read or write, perhaps listen to one of the singers practice. This fortress had few rooms, and most everyone was busy training, or resting after a long days march. It wasn't as if any of that would work anyways. Reinhardt was debated talking to Chrom; he had already talked to that new woman, and seemed familiar with her in a way. But after his wife and daughter lectured him, it just didn't seem polite.

Maybe he could talk to Chrom's daughter, or maybe Robin. Robin was always a voice of reason, and he had a loving wife as well; maybe he could help parse out what Reinhardt was feeling. He was fairly confident that he shouldn't talk to Ishtar, though.

He would like to say it was because he didn't want to bother her. He would love to say that he was being polite to his liege, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The reason was simple: He had been a little more than active in setting up situations between Ishtar and Kiran. Whether the two were perfect for each other was irrelevant. Kiran was certainly better than the alternative. But Ishtar still had feelings for the cruel little boy, and if Reinhardt accidentally revealed he was actively trying to trample those feelings … Well, everything he had tried to do as a makeshift cupid would mean next to nothing.

"Reinhardt? Is something the matter?" Reinhardt closed his eyes in frustration. Perhaps she had some sort of mental powers and knew he was thinking about her.

"It's nothing, milady," Reinhardt responded, turning to face Ishtar, "I thought you were having tea with Kiran."

"Oh, he had some business with a strange Owl," she replied, giggling, "We're having dinner later tonight, so I have something to look forward to!" Reinhardt smiled. He offered his arm; she took it eagerly, much like a child. They began to walk around the fortress.

"I see the two of you are getting along swimmingly." He noted after a minute of casual conversing. Ishtar smiled.

"Kiran has a roughness to him, but he's so kind." she paused, "Does that make sense?"

"Indeed it does, milady," he replied, "I believe I told you something akin to that."

"I believe you did." Reinhardt could feel her grip tighten slightly. He felt a little nervous; did she suspect something? "Can you tell me something, Reinhardt?"

"Y-yes, milady?"

"Can you love two people at once?"

Reinhardt felt relief and confusion in equal measure. "I don't know if I'm quite qualified to answer that question, milady." He finally admitted. Ishtar looked disappointed.

"I know I've known Kiran for only a week or two at most," she continued, "But I feel very much at home around our summoner. But is that love? What can be considered love? I know that still feel strongly about Julius; but I like being around Kiran for very different reasons."

"Perhaps you don't love him?" Reinhardt nearly slapped himself for blurting that out. Don't destroy everything you've set out to create, you fool! He thought. "Er … or perhaps there are different ways to express love?"

"Such as?"

"Well, when Kiran does something you like, what would you like to do?" Ishtar didn't answer for awhile, and Reinhardt could feel heat radiate from her presence. He didn't dare look at her, though. She eventually muttered something, but Reinhardt didn't push any further. "W-well, perhaps there are others better suited to give you advice on such a matter."

"Perhaps I'll ask the Ylissean Queen," she replied, her face still apple red. "She seems well-versed in such things."

"Sound idea; as expected from you, milady." The two decided to take a seat on a hillside, overlooking the training grounds. The evening sun creating long shadows in front of them. Ishtar began fiddling with her hands. It was a habit stemmed from early anxiety, which lead to her always clutching an arm for emotional support. Reinhardt could tell she wanted to ask him something. "By the way, that floating girl was Kiran's doing, was it not?"

Ishtar was brought back to the present. "Oh! Yes, I encouraged him to summon a new hero, and that was who was brought forth." She pondered for a second. "But perhaps it wasn't the wisest thing. Everyone seemed to be rather fearful of her."

"How could anyone be afraid of a woman that be-" Reinhardt caught himself, "-that befuddling! She just seemed to be all hot air and no real danger!"

"The Ylissean's seem to disagree," Ishtar countered, "And she seemed to exude menace. I wouldn't take her lightly." She smiled at Reinhardt, and squeezed his arm. "It has been a long time since we talked like that."

"Not since you were a child, milady." Ishtar closed her eyes, in an attempt to turn back time. After a little bit, she stood up, and gave him a quick hug.

"I'm glad you're here." she said, before she gave him a mischievous smile, once he had not seen in years. "And if you find the new girl 'beautiful', perhaps Kiran will allow you to visit her? It couldn't hurt." With that, she turned away, and began to meander back towards the fortress. Reinhardt chose to sit awhile longer. Perhaps he didn't need to interfere with those two any longer.

Kiran, Katarina and Clarisse looked over the five before them. The tonal whiplash they were receiving was unbelievable. On one end, there was a woman with long blonde hair and huge white wings. She looked like a veritable angel, so of course she was flopping on the bed, squealing with delight. There was another girl playing with her, with a large fox tail and two blonde ears to match. She was wearing Hoshidan-like clothes, so at least that could be parsed out. The next woman gave Kiran a sinister look, which drastically countered her obvious rabbit-like features. He looked over to the next two. He chuckled despite himself.

"Is there something on my face?" A drab looking girl with a large red hooded cloak looked at Kiran with disinterest. Her large tail perked slightly, much like an attentive wolf. The summoner thought back to Little Red Riding Hood, but kept it to himself.

"No, no," he assured her, "Nothing like that, don't worry." Anyways, it was the last girl that he was the most concerned about. Her white braided twintails fluttered in the wind coming in from the window, which she was currently staring out of. She seemed to be mumbling something frantically; perhaps a curse?

Clarisse sighed heavily. "Just can't keep them in control, can you?" She cleared her throat. "Alright, listen up!" The angel and fox-girl stopped bouncing, the rabbit and wolf looked at the sniper, and the mutterer nearly fell from her perch and on the floor. "Everyone get in line, and state your name." The fox and the mutterer jumped in line; the angel took a few seconds, but seemed to understand what was happening and stood up straight and proudly. Clarisse pointed to the far right. "You, mutterer, name!"

"Nina, ma'am!"

"What were you doing over there?"

"That's my secret, ma'am!" Clarisse squinted, but said nothing. She turned to the wolf girl.

"I'm Velouria," the girl said blankly, "Why do you smell like the girl behind you?" Katarina squeaked out a protest in embarrassment. Clarisse grew bright red.

"I smell it too." the rabbit noted. Kiran began laughing uproariously, earning a death glare from Clarisse. "I am Panne, of the Taguel." The fox girl seemed to leap sideways into Panne, attempting to pose.

"I'm Selkie! I'm what people call a 'Kitsune'! My favorite hobbies are playing, playing … oh! Hunting is really fun, it's like really active playing …"

"We'll have plenty of time to know each other," Clarisse interrupted, still recovering from Velouria and Panne's observations. Katarina still clutching to her arm in embarrassment. "How about you?" She turned to the angelic woman. "What's your story?"

"Ah! Am … Leanne!" The girl waved her arms around, as if the words were in front of her and she was picking them off the shelf. "I … am … heron! Bird!"

"So, we have 4 more shapeshifters?" Kiran said aloud, "That's quite interesting."

"Who … are … you?" Leanne asked.

"Ah," the summoner replied kindly, "My name is Kiran, and I'm the one who's summoned all of you here."

"Without our permission?" Panne asked harshly, "I don't have good relations with the last people who attempted such a thing."

"I apologize for such a thing, but I can try to explain myself."

"Summ … summind?" Leanne struggled for a moment, "What is summind?"

"You can just call Kiran the 'orb boy', if that helps." Clarisse offered.

"Hey, don't …"

"Orb boy!" Leanne nodded her head vigorously, "Leanne know those words! Kiran is orb boy!" Clarisse smirked at the befuddled and despaired Kiran. Selkie and Leanne just kept repeating the words 'orb boy' over and over again. That was when he felt a presence right next to him. Velouria was now sniffing his coat.

"You smell like a thunderstorm," she commented, "and some lavender I think." Clarisse started howling with laughter. Leanne approached Katarina, and tapped her shoulder.

"Who are you?"

"Oh! I'm Katarina." she replied sheepishly.

"Kat … ar … ina." Leanne thought it over a moment. "Kat?" She gave the tactician pleading eyes; eyes that promised that she would eventually get her name completely right.

"Sure, I-I don't mind!"

"And scary girl?" She pointed towards Clarisse, who was now on the ground, attempting to breathe through her spasming laughter.

"T-that's Clarisse, she's not that scary."

"Clarisse … same hair!"

"Huh?"

Leanne pointed to her long blonde hair. "Same hair! Friends!"

Kiran looked around him. An angry rabbit, a curious wolf, a friendly fox and bird, and a suspicious mumbling archer. Ishtar was going to have a lot of questions later. "Okay, everyone, I'm going to try to explain everything and show you around our little fortress. If the five of you would be so kind as to follow me …"

"Don't you mean four?" Selkie spoke up.

"Yeah, Nina left minutes ago." Velouria mentioned, while attempting to sniff Clarisse. Kiran put his head in his hands.

"Of course this was bound to happen."

"The clash of wooden weapons shattered the otherwise silent training grounds. Most everyone was resting, or prepping food. But Chrom and Ephraim were still increasing their intensity. Sweat dripped from the teal-haired lord's brow, which he wiped off with annoyance. Chrom's open arm gleamed under the evening sun, his brand barely visible in the shadows.

"I thought you said you'd end this round quickly, Lord Ephraim?"

"And end this sparring match early?" Ephraim retorted, "Not a chance."

Ephraim went for Chrom's legs with his staff, which he countered with a blow of his own. Their perfectly proportioned bodies crashed into each other, agonizingly screaming the things they were too afraid to say themselves. Ephraim connected with a body blow, but Chrom jumped on him, and they rolled on the ground for a moment.

"You're quite aggressive, Exalt." Chrom touched Ephraim's cheek tenderly.

"Perhaps I'm aggressive for a reason, Lord Ephraim." and he kissed him passionately. Armor began to fly off as the shadows of the evening began cover them bo-"

"Hey, do you hear somethin'?" Nina closed her mouth immediately, at least two others were now sitting next to her, while she hid in her barrel. Much to her chagrin, Chrom and Ephraim had not fallen as she had anticipated in her head. They were still sparring, and yelling verbal jabs at each other. Nina listened intently to the ones that had surrounded her. She grunted. It looked like four women had taken seats next to her. One was clearly a country girl, and the other three had that voice of nobility.

"Elin', I dunno what ya want me to say."

"Nephenee, it's not a secret that you and Kagero are romantically involved." Nina's ears perked up. She recognized the name Kagero, though who on earth would name their kid Nephenee? "We just want to know more."

"Wait, you and the ninja girl?" Another voice asked, "I want to know more!"

"Easy, L'Arachel," the last voice said. L'Arachel? Another strange name. Nina was feeling rather irritated that she couldn't spy on the two lords, but she was still getting good gossip. "Let's let Nephenee tell us at her own pace."

"Well, it's been real nice, y'know? She's really sweet, and she's patient with me."

"She better be, this is our sweet Nephenee we're talking about!"

"Like, she slept in because I didn't wanna wake up! Who does that?" She was starting to ramble, which Nina began to transcribe. A story about a country girl and a woman bound by duty? How one of them would give the other confidence, and the other would help the other out of her shell? "Um, do ya guys hear that?" Nina gasped without thinking, and slapped her hands over her mouth. "What was that?!"

"It came from the barrel." Nina tried to make herself as small as possible, but it was much too late. The lid was lifted off, and she looked up. A woman, wearing white with impossibly intricate green hair, was glaring at her from above. "I knew it!" She cried out triumphantly. "We have someone of quite dubious intent in this barrel!"

"Ah, uh … It's not what you think!" Nina insisted. The green haired woman posed, with one hand pointed at the archer.

"Nonsense, the justice of L'Arachel cannot be avoided!" Ah, so this was L'Arachel. Nina looked to her side. A girl in heavy armor and a helmet, another green-haired woman, and a blue-haired woman all stared at her. She could tell Nephenee right away. She lacked that aura that a woman of noble stature had. Whoever 'Ellen' could be was more difficult, and Nina had a more pressing issue here.

"I-I wasn't spying on the four of you!" She insisted, "I was spying on those two!" She pointed at Ephraim and Chrom, who were now making their way towards the hubbub.

"Ah-hah! So you were attempting to steal noble secrets?" L'Arachel cried out again, "Quite a sinister crime!"

"Secrets? Are you an idiot?" Nina yelled back, "Who cares about drivel like that? When there are two muscular men, supporting each other physically and emotionally! Practically screaming out their love from their weapons, destined to be apart-"

"Who's destined to do what?" Chrom asked. He and Ephraim finally approached the five women, and they looked humored by the whole thing. Nina could only stammer. Chrom laughed in response. "Well, I'm not sure what's so entertaining about watching the two of us spar, but I'm glad we could provide some entertainment."

"She's definitely a spy," L'Arachel argued, "We can't take any chances!"

"We could just ask Kiran?" Tana interjected, "Perhaps she was summoned today and we just missed her?" Ephraim nodded in agreement.

"L'Arachel, I agree we should be cautious," Ephraim explained, "But Tana is right." Both nobles muttered under their breaths, blushing all the while. Nina raised an eyebrow. Rivals in love? A substandard trope, but she could work with it.

"What's this notebook then?" she heard Nephenee ask. Nina snatched it.

"Don't touch that!" She shouted, "That's a secret!" She stood up in the barrel, and carefully exited, ignoring the hand Chrom offered. "You all suck at keeping a prisoner!" She called out, as she began to leaf through her notebook. Truthfully, Nina felt bad about yelling at Nephenee.

After all, she had given her so much good material.

Stahl wiped away some sweat. He had volunteered to take care of the cooking today, in order to give Oscar a chance to take care of the horses. He wanted a good mix of protein and vegetables, so he went with a mushroom and pork rice dish, and a carrot stew. Stahl had grown fond of the dish, though all his reasons were not entirely food based. Although he was enjoying the time spent with all these new heroes, including the ones who kept tying him up, he missed his wife terribly. He closed his eyes for a moment. He could swear he heard her voice over the bubbling stew, felt her hands wrap around his shoulders, her tongue when she groomed him …

Wait, that isn't right. He was definitely feeling that now.

"I'm frankly stunned my lover couldn't detect me by now." No way, this was way too convenient. "Though you knew well enough to make my favorite." Stahl turned around. It was all there. Her tan skin, her serious red eyes that bore through you, and that little smile that she only gave to the ones that mattered. "Stahl, you look like you discovered some delicious fruit on the ground." The cavalier embraced the taguel tightly.

"Panne!" He nearly screamed in joy. "You're here!"

"Yes, I certainly am." She replied, grooming the cavalier's messy hair. "You don't smell like me anymore." Stahl laughed at this, as he attempted not to cry.

"It's been quite awhile, to be fair." He replied. Stahl felt a familiar sensation. Panne had transformed, and pulled him onto her. She used to do this whenever he came home from training, as a way to let him rest. "I still need to finish cooking." Stahl said sadly. Panne grumbled in protest, but transformed back. "I have missed resting with you." She puffed out her chest with pride.

"The Taguel make the best pillows, so of course you have."

"More that I've missed you." Stahl smiled when he saw his wife blush.

"Well, of course you missed me." She muttered. When Stahl saw her smile, and knew all was well.

"Well, all is well that ends well, don't you think?" Ishtar looked over the rest of the makeshift mess hall. The heroes that Kiran had summoned seemed to integrate very well. Selkie had immediately made friends with most everyone she met, Velouria seemed to be content moving from group to group. Nina was currently talking with Sumia and Cordelia, who were taking in every word. Leo seemed to be observing her from a distance, and Ophelia and Soleil had added themselves into the very strange group. Then there was Leanne, who had both joined Tana and Nephenee's friend group over the night, but also Lute's little cult of personality. Now there was some fifteen people talking amongst each other, with Leanne in the middle of it all. "Everyone seems to get along, so you don't have to worry about that!"

"It was still pretty mortifying." Kiran replied, focusing on his food. He especially seemed eager to avoid eye contact Leanne for some reason. Ishtar didn't think too much of it, but it was rather odd. "How was the rest of your evening?"

"I just strolled with Reinhardt," Ishtar replied, "It has been a long time since we talked like that."

"What did you talk about, if you don't mind me asking."

"We discussed the new hero, the dragon woman." Kiran noted that Ishtar was blushing slightly, "Reinhardt is rather smitten by her."

"By the death dragon."

"That's the one."

"Frankly, that's the least surprising thing I've heard all day." Kiran said. "Can you imagine the two of them together? 'I must destroy this wretched planet!'"

Ishtar laughed, and began to imitate Reinhardt. "Milady, I have thought up forty different ways to execute your plan to the greatest efficiency!"

"Good, Sir Reinhardt, you live another day!"

"Another day in your radiant beauty is a blessing for me." Ishtar gave a pompous bow, and began to giggle. "That was a first for me."

"Mocking Reinhardt?"

"Mocking anyone," she explained, "It's not very ladylike, you know."

"Ah, you didn't have to -" Ishtar waved him off.

"I never said it was bad," she said harshly, "It was rather freeing."

Kiran sighed in relief. "Right?" He replied, "Sometimes when people do dumb things, it's just better to laugh about it than get frustrated."

"I suppose you're right." She smiled again. Her thoughts turned back to what Reinhardt had asked her. Perhaps she couldn't figure out her thoughts now, but she could -

"Ah, you're the one that smells like thunderstorms." Ishtar nearly jumped from her seat. Velouria was sitting next to her, sniffing her shoulder. "And Lavender."

"And what is the meaning of that?" Ishtar asked nervously. Velouria pointed to the summoner, who was covering his face.

"He smells like thunderstorms too. Are you two together?" Ishtar blushed and looked at Kiran desperately.

"Well, Velouria," Kiran strained to find the words, "I just think we're just very good friends right now?" His inflection raised at the end. Ishtar sank a little. So he was just as conflicted as her. Perhaps he still felt something for Clarisse. It was unfair to wish otherwise, but she would've like some strong feelings to lean on, help her make a decision.

"Well, at least Nina will like that." Velouria said, and Ishtar had the impression that the wolfgirl really didn't care much about their relationship anyway. "Hey, I'm sorry to ask this of you, but can you scratch my left ear? It itches." She leaned in towards Ishtar, who reluctantly complied. Velouria sighed in contentment, and eventually walked away. The summoner and the mage looked at each other awkwardly.

"Sorry about that," Kiran eventually said, "I um … just got nervous."

"There's no need to apologize," Ishtar replied, "We've only known each other for a couple weeks, it's prudent to not get ahead of ourselves." It all came out slightly forced, but it wasn't as if she didn't believe her own words. They both finish their meals without a word. As they prepared to split off to their respective rooms, Ishtar grabbed the summoner's sleeve. "Can we … talk for a moment?"

"S-sure." She led Kiran to where they had spoken earlier in the day, when he summoned Grima. Ishtar faced away from him for a moment.

"Kiran, Reinhardt was very interested in what I thought about you," she began, "And I didn't have an answer for him."

"Oh."

"The truth is, I'm very much afraid," Ishtar admitted, "I was so afraid to make a decision about Julius, about my cousin, and about a lot of other things." She turned to face him. Her eyes were sparkling. "Could I possibly have feelings for someone else while still worrying about Julius? That question has kept me up for the last two nights." Ishtar approached Kiran, who was struck dumb. This mildly irritated her. "I know I have some type of feelings for you, Kiran. Will you work with me to figure them out?"

The summoner finally smiled, and brushed away one of her bangs. "It would be an honor, Lady Ishtar." His voice cracked as he said it, but Ishtar didn't mind.

"Oh! It is orb boy! Hello!" Ishtar turned to face the voice. That large Lute-centric group was walking right by both of them. Leanne was waving at the summoner frantically. "Look! Leanne … friends! Made friends!"

"Orb boy?" Ishtar asked Kiran. He was closing his eyes in frustration.

"Well, we were having a moment."

I know this isn't the name I promised, but I felt like this was more appropriate. As always, thank you all for reading, it means a lot to me. Any comments, critiques, questions, or concerns are always loved and welcomed.

Thank you all!