He is not certain how it has come to this.
Mohg, after all, had come to inform his twin of their brother's plan, regarding their new siblings and, for what little that mattered, aunt.
Not like either of them have any use for a parental figure by this point.
Only…that's not quite true is it?
"Thou art a fool," Morgott says.
Gritting his teeth he chooses to focus on the eve's breeze caressing his exposed flesh as is traverses the space between them in this out of the way pavilion, the distant laughter and the sounds of merriment.
Something, anything to take his focus away from this growing ball of anger in his gut.
It seems one of them, at least, does long for parental affection, or at least recognition.
If the resplendent and yet quite pitiful golden armor covering most of Morgott's body and face is any indication.
But that he could, can stomach.
What he can't, is the fact that day by day, hour by hour, the brother that seems to live more and more in his memories, is replaced by this…pathetic zealot.
This pitiful, eager man yearning for a scrap of…affection? Recognition?
Mohg knows not.
He cares not, in fact.
After all, it was not the goddess that bothered to pull them out of the gutters.
In fact, Marika's the one who put them there to begin with.
Nay, it their brother who risked and still risks a lot by associating with them.
"Perhaps, the same can be said of you, brother," he spits instead, crossing his twitching arms. Better to keep them occupied lest he does something he'll regret.
And the worst thing is tis Morgott who once again couldn't leave things well enough alone and rekindled the same old argument, the argument they've been having in some form or another ever since they stepped out of the sewers. Or, perhaps…
It could best be said what they only bothered to put to words and say outloud once they no longer had to fight for their very survival.
Morgott, for all that he loves his brother, seems to harbor under the illusion that he can somehow…what, win the goddess affection? Get a proud nod perhaps and a pat on the head? Be granted Grace by the Erdtree perhaps?
And admittedly, for all Mohg knows all that may very well be fair and true and possible.
And yet…
What for?
They now have their freedom, such as it is.
Something the woman he has no reason to call mother played no part in, in fact, the goddess only seems to add to the woes of the person responsible for their freedom, limited and conditional as it is right now.
Wanting to help the small folk and the innocent the land over, that, Mohg can understand and approve of.
But how does that factor into an almost desperate devotion for the Order, that, Mohg can't understand.
Godwyn at least, if their talks so far are any indication, knows the Order and the goddess are not infallible.
Their brother choosing to serve out of his own volition and with his eyes wide open.
That he can understand. Can respect.
But this…the zealot in front of him is not…
Nay, that goes to far.
The fact cannot be denied that the fool in front of him almost has him give voice to improper words.
Taking a deep breath, Mohg tries again, plastering a fragile smile as he does.
Even as the though refuses to leave him that for all his wisdom, Godwyn has made a mistake. Another difference between the twins, Mohg, at least, for all that he loves and respects his brother, knows that the Golden Scion is not infallible.
Unlike Morgott and lady Lucia, within whose breasts fanaticism resides and which, more than likely shall go unchecked in their absence, and no, lady Lansseax, for all her talents shall not be enough to curb the foolish notions in the two fools heads from growing further still.
"Brother," he tries, really tries to put aside the rage and the growl. "Come, let us put the subject aside." Tis not like either of them are likely to convince the other by this point. Mohg hasn't been able to open Morgott's eyes for weeks by this point, tis unlikely he can do the same in but a few minutes, or perhaps even hours.
The rift can be mended once the…what did his brother call it? The 'adventuring party', right, once they return in a few weeks or months hence and are accorded a more lengthy stay.
Now if only his fool of a twin could leave matters well enough alone.
"For I've need to share something of great import with you."
Like he's been trying to do from the start!
While tis not absolutely necessary for Morgott to introduce himself to their aunt and siblings in the meeting taking place, more than likely, the next few minutes.
It'll make things easier for the woman and the children both. Learning who she can trust and go to for aid from the get go. And given that Morgott, alongside ladies Lucia and Lansseax are going to be Godwyn's 'arms' in Leyndell for the foreseeable future tis best, and far more important, Renna meets Morgott and the others than just Mohg.
After all, despite how much he'd like to, he'll be of little help from the other side of the known word for the next few weeks, at least.
Now, if only—
"And it can wait," Morgott says, the stubborn fool crossing his arms, no doubt scowling behind that golden mask, which, in Mohg nightmares so resembles one best suited for a funeral pyre.
Why does he insist on spending their last few hours for the foreseeable future in—
"Tis imperative thou realize the folly of your whispers and your actions, brother," Morgott says, pleading tone mixing with a desperate fervor. "Putting aside the…insinuations regarding the Order."
What 'insinuations'? He merely prefers to not mince words.
Stating things as they are, or as he sees them to be at least.
Mohg knows, after all, that he is not infallible or all-knowing. But, some things are easily apparent even to someone as inexperienced as he.
And its not like he hates the Order or the goddess to begin with, he's merely…indifferent to them both.
But if that's treason.
If sharing words in private with what few people he can trust, that is his brothers and, one of his brother's wider entourage. If having an open mind is treason?
Well, as Godwyn has so clearly shown by dint of plan and action both, one needs not be favored by the Order to go out there and do good.
The goddess certainly doesn't approve of their brother's deeds and plans that's for certain.
If all that's treason?
Then so be it.
Let his fool beloved, harbor his silly misconceptions for now, and once the 'adventuring party' returns and their, new, immaterial shackles are shattered, their freedom true, he'll all but punt Morgott their brother's way and plead with Godwyn to take the fool on a trip of his own.
Open the idiot's eyes and make him remember the knowledge and painfully earned wisdom the sewers all but seared into their bones.
Real change is wrought by brawn and sword after all.
Their brother understands that.
Morgott used to as well.
But no longer it seems, the light of the Erdtree obscuring his sight.
"You needs must realize how your words and actions will reflect upon Godwyn should any…untoward ears catch wind of 'em."
Tis foolish of him.
And yet, his brother's words have him seeing red.
"Thou art a fool," he spits and before he can think better. Before Morgott can accept what he sees, much less react, Mohg's fist is already digging deep into the pathetically soft metal, caving a golden cheek in and sending the mask flying a few feet to the side.
While Morgott?
Morgott drops to one knee, surprise evident on his face as he nurses the sides of his cheek and the fading bruise with one hand.
And for a moment furry wells within Morgott's eyes, a familiar sight that has Mohg tense, muscles coiling in preparation. Many a spat have been had while trapped in the sewers and thus, by this point, Mohg can recognize the signs with ease.
And prepare.
Despite what a foolish mistake this is, and it is a mistake. One of his own making.
But to insinuate he doesn't understand their situation, that he seeks to harm their family? His blood couldn't let the insult go.
And yet, as swiftly as the rage arrives, it vanishes from Morgott's eyes, replaced by a tired sigh.
"Such foolishness…you should know better," Morgott says as he stands and makes for the dented mask.
The sight revolting.
He can't take any more of this.
And its not like his brother will not be informed of his part in the plan by either lady Lucia or lady Lansseax, and, if nothing else, he knows Morgott will at least not shirk that part of his duties.
Their newfound family members will be safe as he can make them.
Thus, he spins around and growling steps past the pavilion, storming away.
"Mohg, brother—"
Ignoring Morgott's words on his back as he does.
And soon enough, rounding a corner he chances upon a familiar face.
"Lord Mohg," lady Lucia says, his brother's trusted knight clearly startled. "I was coming to…"
"My brother is busy, I fear," he says through clenched teeth, managing to bury the growl. "He won't be joining us, unfortunately."
"But, I was given to understand—" the confused woman says as she, hurries after him, in her surprise struggling to match his pace and wider gait.
"Apologies my lady, but he is indisposed," he says with a tight lipped smile, one that takes effort. "He won't be joining us. Prithee let us make haste and comport ourselves well in his stead, yes? I trust you'll fill my brother in on the relevant details."
"I…Verily, my lord, let us be off," the good lady says after a moment with a sigh and picks up the pace, taking the lead, and Mohg follows.
"Auntie, what's wrong?"
Curses!
Hastening to smooth out her expression, Renna flashes an assuring smile towards her niece.
"Nothing is wrong, my sweet, just some bad thoughts. Prithee pay me no heed."
One that's only somewhat successful in calming the children.
That is, Ranni and Rykard.
Radahn, for his part still seems enthralled by everything around them.
Bless his simple heart…
"If you say so, auntie…" Ranni says in a slow tone, not quite believing her. Rykard's quick glance her way all but making it clear he doesn't believe but he understands. And so, doesn't call her out on her little white lie.
"C-come now, no need to look so glum!" she says with false cheer, going so far as to clap her hands. "You are about to meet with your Lord brother after all!"
Indeed, the dangerous assassin leading them to the meeting spot makes forgetting that… difficult. And at the woman's quick backwards glance, glare really, Renna has to fight the urge to pull out her wand.
"Quiet."
And the gall to order her so!
As if she's some mere lowborn and not of Carian stock!
Merely another ignonimity she has to endure it seems. For the sake of the children if nothing else.
A confrontation would prove ultimately pointless, this she knows.
And further more besides.
Renna knows little about this place beyond what the deceiver had deemed to share over the years and little tidbits gleamed from travelers and texts over the years which, ultimately, amount to things of little import.
So, perhaps, the assassin is right in her apparent worry, masked by the woman's paradoxical tension.
For someone so tense has no right to move with such fluidity and, more importantly, silence.
Perhaps, there is danger afoot in this place, despite the apparent Gold draped over most everything around her. That and the pristine white marble.
Oh who is she kidding.
Danger is most certainly afoot in some form or other, so, perhaps, the assassin's caution is proof of her and the fiend's good intents both. Or at least, weighing the scales further in their favor and not this being in fact, some attempt.
It'd be foolish to do so.
And demigod with sinful abs or not, the man and his pet assassin will find Renna still has hidden tricks up her sleeve if this is something so uncouth.
But no, she doesn't believe that. Not truly.
In this much at least, Godwyn can probably be trusted and shows that in between his barbarian skull some modicum of sense resides.
Leyndell might look different but, underneath its glimmering appearance, so far Renna has seen little do dissuade her of the notion that the nobles and other highborn, if perhaps a tad more crass, or a lot, than their counterparts back home, nonetheless like to play similar games.
And while she likes to believe that none would be so foolish as to try anything overt, gossip has its own power, and as the dangerous white-haired woman leading them shows, Leyndell has its own dark side.
Meaning, any potential miscreant need not necessarily be overt…
Yes, perhaps the assassin was right to chastise her and so, Renna too gently motions for the children to stay their tongues as the white-haired woman leads them through twists and turns, alleys and streets, always making sure they keep out of sight, for a few minutes more.
And yet the man's sheer gall, to summon her and the children both as if they are pets?!
As the assassin peeks around a corner, holding up a hand before gesturing for them to follow, Renna makes up her mind.
Whatever this is about? Unless given a very good reason otherwise, the fiend will find her fighting him every step of the way. No matter how kissable…punchable, punchable his mug is!
"Auntie?"
"Shush, my sweet."
Curse her traitorous cheeks!
"Ah, Tiche, Lady Renna," the fiend says with an infuriating grin and a nod as they approach. The easy smile in sharp contrast to the monstrous black armor wrapped around his form and for an instant she fears the worst only to relax as the now much more intimidating demigod makes no sudden move to rise from the steps serving as his seat which lead up to the half finished temple behind him and attack. "I trust there were no issues on the way here?"
"None, my Lord."
"That is heartening to hear," he says and with slow motions, clearly for their benefit rises at last.
"None besides thine subject," the blue-eyed beauty says with a scowl and I can feel Tiche tense as I blink. "She could do with a remedy course in manners, I should think." Renna's scowl deepens and it only makes me want to close the distance, rip her dress to tatters and do all manner of indecent things to her.
Indecent, mostly due to the fact that my siblings are present, and I need them to trust me and mine so that we can help keep them safe.
Their education into the finer things in life can wait for some other moment and…preferably by someone other than me.
Perhaps their hot aunt can do it.
Or my uncle. He is their father after all.
But, if and when the time comes the parties responsible decide a…practical education is in order it'd be my solemn honor to take upon the burden of said task. That is, if Renna is willing to…'tango'? Right, serve as my tango partner.
For the sake of the children's education, yes.
After all, much as I would like to devour this tall self-conscious beauty right now. Discover if her moans sound as delectable as her cute grunts and roars when she's trying to bash my skull in. My exile in all but words and more importantly, the need to delve into the Eternal Cities and…acquire a certain Finger slaying and hopefully, god slaying or at least wounding, knife. Takes precedence.
Hopefully, Old man Hewg can decipher its secrets and replicate it, or at least, learn enough from it to make the trip worth it.
"You are incorrigible," the gremlin murmurs, feeling my lust no doubt.
How did that go again? Ah right.
Pot meet kettle.
"G-gah!"
Weak to direct attacks, as usual.
Still, be that as it may, there's a reason I've tasked Renna and the children to come here.
"As you say." I nod towards the woman with a smile and judging by her scoff, my tone makes it clear that I've little intent to scold my knife.
Prickly she might be, but Tiche is mine.
Renna murmurs something under her breath which is no doubt unflattering but which, I can't be bothered to elevate my senses beyond human to learn.
The almost palpable irritation does make me grin wider though, even if I hasten to smother said grin as I focus on the kids.
"And this must be my brothers and sisters, yes?" I say and take a few small steps away from the stairs leading into the temple, the children's reactions as distinct as they are interesting in and of themselves.
The oldest, Rykard staring at me with narrowed, suspicious eyes, his body growing about as tense as Renna no doubt feels.
Radahn, bearing little resemblance to the terror half my memories paint him as, stares up at me with what can only be surmised as starstruck awe.
While my sister…
The cute lil redhead, and isn't that something which even if expected is still bewildering to see, clutches Renna's robes and stares at me with nervousness.
And at that, and such close proximity, some faint sense of Gold, weaker perhaps, but undeniably present, confirms to me what I already knew on an intellectual level. These, like the twins, are family.
Something which helps smoother my interest towards the elder beauty for the moment as I drop to one knee in front of the children and their glaring aunt.
"Hey there," I say, causing Ranni to bite her lip nervously, her solitary open eye and proof of her Empyrean nature looking left and right, and as for our brothers? Radahn is all but vibrating in place. A tad concerning, while Rykard's eyes narrow further.
Ah.
Which makes something click in my mind. From the moment I saw the kid a sense of almost…familiarity overtook me even though I'd never seen him before in truth.
But his scowls, the silent judging stare, the tensed body…
Those are familiar, aye.
To a part of me at least.
And if my suspicions are correct…
Troublesome…
For while I know, potentially how to deal with the kid, if he is indeed as paranoid and suspicious as I fear? Like an Uchiha? Then there's no way he'll accept what I'm going to say to them as the truth, even if it is, in fact the truth.
The faint knowledge in regards to him, courtesy of my foreknowledge all but lends credence to that.
He's a paranoid little shit…
"You don't know that, my Prince."
Want to make a bet? If you lose no kisses.
"I-I'll pass on t-that!"
Thought so…
I'm going to need to come up with something quick, I need Renna, but more importantly the kids themselves to trust me, or if not me, Morgott, Lucia, and Lansy enough to go to them for help if need be. And to do that…they need to trust me first…
…and one of them is a paranoid little shit.
Great.
Not my best plan but then again I don't care that much for plans to begin and perhaps foolishly, I did not expect uncle Radagon to bring the kids along.
Not yet at least.
"It harkens my heart to meet you all at last," I say with what I hope is an easy smile and tone. "Godwyn be my name but to you I endeavor forever more to be simply, brother—"
"Tis well good and all to hear so," Renna bites in, making me twitch and resist the urge to scowl. Why does she have to make an already difficult job more challenging? "But could'st thou pray share the reason you've summoned us so? Some of us do, in fact feel, the passage of time."
Twould seem Elysia's suspicions were surprisingly close to the mark after all, Tiche, and my new family members circumstances weigh heavily on the nervous beauty's mind.
Something which I cannot fault her for in all honesty.
And yet, time.
Time is a cruel mistress and thus, I've to make the best I can to ensure their safety while I'm away.
Some would, perhaps, question the need to do so.
For what could, or more importantly, dare threaten demigods within Leyndell's walls?
To them I'd say or more like point, before helping their skulls fly, at the still hardening dragon corpse and the pit where bits of the would be Dung Eater rot.
Danger lurks in the dark corners of this world.
Enough to harm demigods aplenty.
And neither my uncle nor my beloved mother can be in all places at once.
So to the extent possible I'll lend a helping hand, in a manner of speaking.
"Ah, Lady Renna, thine tongue is as sharp as the glare of your beautiful eyes."
The woman's sudden choking noises are almost enough to make me grin.
"Auntie?"
Ranni's confused blink only makes the task harder and so, perhaps, teasing Renna can wait for another day.
"Incorrigible!"
You are the one who wants toe curling kisses, yes?
And now I have a choking goddess in my head.
Figures.
"To answer thine question, fair lady, tis due to duty. Familial duty."
"Explain, my lord."
"Tis simple," I say and make a sweeping gesture. "Thou and my siblings all, are family. Newly found perhaps, but family and very much welcome at that nonetheless," I say and smile at the kids, earning a tiny, hesitant smile from Ranni and Radahn…
Could he have discovered some sort of vibration spell?
"He is of Carian stock, and he has an affinity for the arts if you words are to be believed my Prince," Elysia slowly says. "So…perhaps?"
Concerning.
As for Rykard, his eyes grow more suspicious still.
It seems my fears are confirmed, he's a paranoid little shit alright.
Something commendable under normal circumstances, as well as perfectly understandable, for all he knows I might, in fact, harbor evil intent.
The fact that I don't and truly seek the best for him and the rest of my family matters little. Tis a dangerous world we live in after all.
"And while duty compels me elsewhere I needs must do what I can for you and yours."
If anything, Renna's glare matches the little shits'. "Elaborate if thou please...my lord."
"Simple, my lady. There are few I implicitly trust with my life in Leyndell," I say. "One of them you've met already." And standing, I wrap my arm around Tiche's waist whom all but melts in my embrace.
"Fiend!"
"Auntie?"
Given that I've about as much interest in explaining things to my tiny sister, about as much as Renna has in fact, I hasten to continue.
"Alas, she will be one my companions in mine travels." And for an altogether too brief an instant Renna's eyes shine with gratitude. "so, I thought it fitting to introduce you to the others."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and with some hope you'll need not their aid."
"I see, my thanks then, my lord," and by her tone it is clear she would prefer it we had another go.
A most agreeable proposition, but, alas…
"But if that's so, where are the rest of your…companions?"
"On their way, but, there's one who is closer than you might think," I say with a smile even if inside, a growing irritation sense of irritation makes itself at home.
Dammit, woman. Stop looking at me with such suspicion! I merely wish to help you and then be on my way. The open road calls.
The wise thing, the expected thing really, would be for me and mine to wait for the first light of dawn and depart under great fanfare but I've had my fill of celebrations and feasts on this day.
And besides.
Keen, painful familiarity with the comports of duty all but ensures that my worst fears are true and thus, if I choose to wait…we won't be able to leave till the midday at the earliest.
Unbecoming of me, perhaps, but arm and blade both itch.
Tis one thing to keep my instincts buried when I know the next day will be the same as the one before but now? With new lands and fools to crush so close at hand?
The excitement filling me is, perhaps, not all that different from what Radahn exhibits at the moment!
Perhaps…perhaps she has misjudged the fiend.
Oh, there's little doubt parts of her earlier assertions be true.
Beneath the Golden veneer and the broad shoulders, Godwyn's lusts are not barely veiled.
And it is quite flattering…fitting, fitting that he recognizes the superiority of her Carian heritage but…
Even so…
Perhaps she has erred a tiny bit, no doubt due to how trying the recent weeks have been, yes.
Uncouth barbarian he might be and yet, she has little doubt that the sheer care he radiates towards her charges is true, for the most part at least. And so, perhaps. Perhaps she can afford to listen and—
The door leading into the temple all but slams open and from within it a very feminine figure clad in a dress of almost liquid silver all but flies out of the temple and down the stairs.
"Godwyn~!"
And the man catches the giggling horned beauty in a spinning embrace, her tiny wings quivering in exuberance and—
H-horns? Wings?
"Did you have to make me wait this long?!"
"Prithee forgive me," the fiend says as he settles the woman down at last, the two not breaking gazes. "But I merely sought to showcase my jewel for last. As befits my princess."
P-princess?! She takes it back. He is clearly a no good barbarian!
"F-fine, I forgive you! Now come on, introduce me already!"
"As my princess wishes," he says with a chuckle and turns toward her and the kids.
"Lizard."
"Cat."
The sharp exchange between the two women has Renna revising her opinion of the assassin, perhaps she judged the woman too harshly. Tis an assassin's duty to be strict after all.
"P-pretty…"
"W-woah, big brother is that…"
No! Ranni, Radahn, don't fall for the fiend's trickery!
…at least Rykard seems to be mostly unaffected, even if he sports the tiniest of blushes.
"This, my good brothers and sisters, is my dear consort and ambassador of the fair dragons. My good Lady Lansseax."
And at that, the kids are not the only ones squirming with nervousness.
"D-dragon?" Ranni gives voice to their worry. "S-scary…"
Only for the dragon woman to sent a brilliant smile the heiress' way, her wings fluttering as she almost lifts off the ground.
"No need to fear, little princess!" Lansseax says and next to her, Godwyn raises a finger his brow furrowing before he starts to lower it. "For you are my beloved's allies and siblings both. So, on my honor and by the strength of the pact between our people you need remember but one thing," the woman says leaning forward, the smile melting into a serious frown which silences even Renna.
"W-what's that?"
"Four limbs good, two limbs bad!"
Renna tries to make her mouth work but before a sound can come out, the impact of steel against flesh draws her eyes towards the fiend, whose gauntlet is digging into his face.
"In other words, dragons, such as me and mine oaf of a brother are your friends. Drakes are anything but!"
"Lansy…" the fiend says with a tired voice, making the woman's radiant smile return as she glances his way, the speed at which she does making parts of her anatomy bounce and Renna feels a heat—
S-such a vulgar display of familiarity!
Fiend!
Degenerate!
"What is it, beloved?"
"…nothing, tis nothing," he says with another tired sigh but cannot bury the fond smile on his lips as he introduces the lady Lansseax to the children, the…crass of her perhaps but true nonetheless, the airheaded woman seeming to win over the hearts of the children, with even Rykard seeming a tad less prickly.
"—and when my love returns we can all go flying."
"Flying?"
"Yes!" the silver-haired lady says with an all to quick a nod. "Either upon mine or my brother's back, it'll be fun!"
Absolutely not!
It sounds dangerous!
But before she can voice her protest the woman and the fiend both blink, staring at somewhere behind her and the approaching sound of footsteps soon reveal themselves to be a trio of people as disparate as can be.
From the pristine and serious white-haired lady knight.
To the monstrous omen that moves with a gait and seeming clarity of mind unlike the rest of his ilk. In fact, and no doubt due to the exertions of these past few days, for but an instant Renna almost thinks the man's bearing also similar to that of a knight.
And then there's the horned man in a loose robe who visage and attire spark a deep familiarity within Renna.
A scholar can recognize another.
Even across species it would seem, for she has little doubt this is the brother of the dragon woman.
"Lucia, where is Morgott?" Godwyn asks with a confused tone and before the apparently named Lucia can answer tis the Omen who speaks.
"Apologies brother."
What. What?!
"But Morgott's…busy."
"Busy…"
"Yes," the apparent sibling says with a shrug and Renna knows a lie, or at least a lie mixed with truth when she hears one. She more or less raises her sisters both and has had to deal with the deceiver's children for a fair while.
"I see…" the man behind her says and by his tone no doubt he too suspects that not all is as it seems. "Well, no matter no matter. Time is off the essence. Lucia, Lansy?"
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Yes, my love?"
"I trust you will brief my good brother and arrange introductions with the fair Lady Renna and my siblings both as needed?" he asks as the trio joins them near the steps.
"Yes, my Lord!"
"Of course! You can count on me~!" Lansseax says and…all but tackles the fiend in a deep kiss.
"Woah! Awesome! Way to go big brother!"
"Auntie, w-what are they doing?"
But Renna merely hisses with narrowed eyes, and watches as the assassin and the knight both twitch.
The assassin, perhaps judging her too harshly, Renna knows is a degenerate but the good knight has no doubt been forced to witness this and similar atrocities for stars know how long.
Perhaps she too, is a kindred spirit.
I take it back. He's an unrepentant uncouth deviant! And the stars will freeze before Renna trusts the man and his words! And to think she was almost starting to believe his good intentions…
This Hewg and Morgott's they spoke off she knows them not, but they are unlikely to be a decent sort if they cavort with the fiend.
The lady knight and the deviant dragon…perhaps she can rely on for aid but, only as a last resort!
For she refuses to let the fiend win!
"Put it out of your mind, sister."
"B-but, Rykard, lady Lansseax is moaning, is she in pain?"
And now she has to explain that.
Curse you, fiend!
