'Well, now you know,' said Armin. 'So you can go up there yourself sometime, if you want.'

Ardens: "I think I will, very soon. I need to get us some ale."

Dianne: "Us? Are you seeing someone?"

Ardens: "Oh, it's just the wife, Biceras."

Dianne: "Wait, Biceras is still alive?"

Ardens: "Yeah, she's waiting for me just down the street. "

Dianne: "But, how?"

Armin looked momentarily surprised, then tried to conceal it.

//Well, this might be... interesting...// 'Biceras isn't immortal, is she? Or am I missing something?'

Ardens: "Well...Right after you and I split ways, we had a long discussion about the implications of living together, post cult. I told her I would outlive her, she said she didn't care, and that she couldn't think of a better way to spend her lifetime. I told her I didn't want to have to watch her waste away, aaaaaannnd.....Lucci showed up, with Death in tow, they directed us to an elixir of everlasting life, pre fifth creation stuff, and after a long, hard quest, she became immortal just like me."

Dianne: "Oh. Well...I'm happy for you both. No one deserves to watch a loved one perish."

{Despite saying this, she felt apprehensive, as she and Biceras never really got along.}

Armin glanced subtly at Dianne, wondering what would happen if they met Biceras. He was vaguely aware, from Dianne's past stories, that she and Biceras hadn't had a good relationship.

'Yeah, you're lucky. That's kinda the biggest curse of immortality, having to watch everyone you care about die before you.'

Ardens: "Lucky indeed. I'm happy to have her with me."

Dianne: "Yes. So, where are you two living these days?"

Ardens: "Oh, a nice forest far to the east. We lived on Sundusk for a while, but...the constant wars were a pain, so we moved. How about you two?"

Dianne: "Sovereign city, in Vallis."

'Yeah, and the king's a terrified racist,' said Armin nonchalantly. 'He only lets us live there because we helped him out once. Also, he's terrified that Dianne will eviscerate him if he says no to anything.'

{At that, Ardens laughs.}

Ardens: "Hahahaha! Now that sounds familiar. So, Dianne, why don't you take the next step and just take his throne and crown?"

Dianne: "No way. I don't want that kind of responsibility."

{She says, chuckling.}

Ardens: "Hey, if he can't say no to anything you ask, why not take him for everything he has?"

'I'm not helping to run the country,' said Armin. 'Besides, we'll probably have even more psychos coming after us if we draw that kind of attention to ourselves.'

{Arden's laughter subsides, then he turns to Armin.}

Ardens: "So, Armin, what are you like? I've spent a while with her, but I don't know anything about you. What's your story?"

'Eh, it's not very interesting,' said Armin. 'Unless you'd find it interesting that I got blackmailed into serving a vampire crime lord who wanted to take over my home city. Is there anything specific you want to know?'

Ardens: "Oh. Well, I was just wondering how you two met."

'Well... she was living in Shacklestone, where I was, at the time. When my old boss tried to gain control of the city, she stepped up to help me get rid of him. Apparently Lucci asked her to do it... We didn't really like each other back then, though.'

Ardens: "I see. He must have been pretty bad if Lucci asked her to help. How did you go from not liking each other to becoming a couple?"

Dianne: "Honestly, my dislike for him was rooted in a misunderstanding. Once that cleared up, we just needed time to figure each other out. One cross country trip and him saving my life later and here we are."

'Yeah, I helped save her when a hunter clan attacked in Agamidae. It seems like you heard something about that,' said Armin. 'Though, I wasn't solely responsible. We wouldn't have escaped without the help of some others. I'm still not entirely sure why she likes me so much, but I'm not complaining.'

Ardens: "Yes, I heard a bit about that. Come on, Armin, you saved her life and kept cool in the face of danger. Chicks dig that stuff."

A hint of amusement entered Armin's tone. 'If you say so. I still don't think I did much, but I'm very happy with how things turned out in the end.'

Dianne: "We both are."

{At that, Arden's expression softens into something more benign.}

Ardens: "For as long as I've known you, Dianne, you were never happy. You were always in pain, on account of your past. I am very happy for you, that you've now found peace."

Armin smiled faintly at this, but didn't interrupt. //I'm glad she's happy, too. She deserves it. And so do I, probably.//

Dianne: "That means a lot...coming from you."

{Ardens smiles at her fondly. As he does this, A dragon shifter walks through the door. She has short, dirty blond hair and is very muscularly built. She's about as tall as Armin, dressed in boots, jeans, and a jacket.}

???: "Hey, you done talking to that bimbo yet?"

Ardens: "Aaaand, that's Biceras..."

Armin lifted his head, surveying the newcomer curiously. //Hmm, doesn't look like someone to be messed with...//

'Well, that's not a very polite way to make an entrance,' he remarked.

{Dianne looks up at the newcomer, her fond look replaced with exasperation.}

Dianne: "Hello, Biceras..."

Biceras: "Hey, floozy."

{Biceras then shifts her attention to Armin.}

Biceras: "So, who's this, Delilah? Your hired escort? Hottest guy from the strip club you work at?"

Dianne: "No. He's my boyfriend, you b!tch. How dare you-"
Biceras: "Really? Your boyfriend?"

{She takes a moment to look Armin over.}

Biceras: "He can do better than you..."

Armin raised his eyebrows. 'Is that supposed to be some kind of compliment?' He leaned back, eyeing Biceras guardedly. 'What are you being so rude for, anyway?'

Esme had stood up on the couch and was sniffing, excited by the presence of yet another dragon.

Ardens: "Yes, Biceras, you're being very rude. I thought you said you didn't want to talk to her?"

Biceras: "I got bored. Besides..."

{She then turns back to Armin.}

Biceras: "We got beef that predates you, kid. If I want to call a b!tch a b!tch, I'm going to do that."

Dianne: "Biceras, that was a long time ago. You can't seriously still be mad about that?!"

Biceras: "Look, Delilah, It's not just that. I just don't like you. You're a degenerate."

Ardens: "Biceras, enough. This was supposed to be a fun vacation, not you stirring up pointless feuds."

Armin looked back and forth at each person as they spoke, torn between being amused by Biceras's attitude, or annoyed on Dianne's behalf.

'Yeah, this is stupid. I don't think you've got anywhere close to a good enough reason to hate her, so mind not trying to start a pointless fight?' He sat up straighter, looking Biceras in the eye.

{Biceras looks at Armin once again.}

Biceras: "Boy, you just got here. You don't know her like I do. The things she's done, people she's killed. So, don't step to me like you understand a damn thing about her."
Ardens: "Biceras, a word?"

{The two walk a short distance away and begin a hushed argument in ancient Ferrosian.}

Armin said nothing as he watched them walk away, though his amusement had melted away by that point, and his expression showed more annoyance than anything else.

//Does she not realise that Ardens was in that cult too?// he thought. //I'm sure he's killed plenty of people.//

{Biceras and Ardens continued to argue in hushed tones until Ardens looked like he had enough. Rubbing his face and shaking his head, he walks back to the group.}

Ardens: "Yeah, we're going to go now. Sorry about all that, I'm sure Dianne can explain it all later. It was good to see you again and meet you, Armin and Esme."

Armin blinked at Ardens's abrupt announcement that he was leaving.

'Oh. Yeah, great. See you around, then, I guess.' He did not glance in Biceras's direction as he spoke.

{Ardens nods, then leaves with Biceras, still quietly bickering. Dianne starts to pet Esme absently, looking a little frustrated.}

Dianne: "I hate her..."

Armin sat very still and watched the pair leave until they were out of sight, his expression faintly irritated.

'I'm really getting sick of people telling me that I 'don't know what you've done'... Just because they think there's no way I'd be here if I actually knew...'

Dianne: "Who else told you that? Other than that tempermental primate Ardens calls a wife?"

'Alicia. When I cornered her, she went off into a rant about how terrible you were and how I must not know everything you've done... Pretty sure Paxton implicated it, too.'

Dianne: "Oh...Honestly, I think they're the ones who don't know the whole story...I'm trying to be a better person...I don't like who I was either. I wish they'd give me a chance before assuming this stuff about you or me..."

Armin rested his chin on his hand, gazing thoughtfully at the exit doors.

'But with Biceras... I don't get it. She's with Ardens, who was in the same death cult as you. If she hates you for killing people, she should hate him for the same reasons.'

Dianne: "Maybe that's not it. Maybe it's because I fooled around with him...Or maybe she's in denial. I dunno. I just wish I could be civil with her, but she just seems to hate me."

'She really is stubborn about it. Seemed like even Ardens couldn't change her mind.'

Armin continued to look at the doors, scratching his jaw pensively.

'Well, they're gone now. I guess we won't be seeing Ardens again anytime soon.'

Dianne: "I don't think they're leaving the city. He did say they were on vacation. I think we may run into them again while we're here. Let's go eat breakfast and get on with our day, yeah?"

{She asks, standing with Esme.}

Armin stood as well, heading for the exit.

'Alright... Where are we going? Another restaurant, or cafe, or something?'

Dianne: "A diner, maybe. Something with pancakes..."

Armin smiled faintly. 'I'll drive around and see what's here, then.'

Once they were outside, he unlocked the truck and jumped in.

{Dianne hopped in with Esme, buckling herself in.}

Dianne: "Alright, let's take a look."

Armin drove up and down the surrounding streets for a few minutes, inspecting all of the shops and food joints they passed. Eventually, he slowed and nodded towards a small, cosy diner called The Woodland Grove.

'I think that place does a breakfast menu...'

Dianne: "Looks homely. Let's give it a shot."

{Once Armin parks, she hops out with Esme.}

Armin led the way into the diner. It wasn't too crowded, but like the burger restaurant, it had a wide variety of people inside. //Still not over how strange this looks...//

Spotting a vacant table by the window, he headed over, sat down, and picked up the little paper menu to inspect.

{Dianne followed suit, looking over the menu with interest.}

Dianne: "...What should we order for Esme?"

'Pancakes?' Armin suggested. 'I think she liked them when Rex made them that one time.' He scanned down the menu. 'I'm getting some hot chocolate. She might like that, too, if I ask them to put it in a big saucer...'

Dianne: "Ok, two orders of pancakes. Yes, I think she would."

{Putting down the menu, she surveys their surroundings.}

Dianne: "Hmm...nice, peaceful place they got here."

'Yeah. I like places like this.'

A werewolf waitress came over and asked if they were ready to order. Armin told her everything they wanted. When she left, he rested his head on his hands, looking calm and contemplative.

'So, is that crazy possessiveness a dragon thing, or just a Biceras thing?'

Dianne: "A Biceras thing to be sure, but dragons in general don't like their unions threatened. Not that I have any interest in Ardens anymore, she's just a b!tch."

He chuckled slightly. 'She is... I mean, she knows I'm with you, which should reassure her that you're not going to steal Ardens now. She ought to let it go.'

Dianne: "Yes. I don't get why she's held this grudge so long. We did it, it's over, it's never going to happen again."

{Sighing, she looks out the window.}

Dianne: "I want to be friends with Ardens, but I don't think she'll allow that."

'I'm sure Ardens would like to stay friends with you, too.'

While Dianne looked out the window, Armin gazed around the room instead.

'I kinda want to talk to Biceras in private. Try to find out what her problem is. Maybe she'd be more civilised if you're not there. But I doubt she'd listen to me, considering she thinks I'm some kid who just doesn't understand anything.'

Dianne: "Yeah? Good luck with that. As far as dragons go, she's as hard headed as they come. Ardens isn't with her for those tendencies, however. She's fiercely loyal, an absolute monster in combat, and a talented metal smith. She thinks I'm an enemy from our past, unwilling to see that I've changed."

'For all her good qualities, she's also an idiot,' Armin grumbled. 'Imagine holding a grudge like this for thousands of years for no good reason. But, it's probably best if I don't risk pi.ssing her off. I don't want my spine broken.'

Dianne: "Good idea. She's always had a temper, that one. Not as severe as mine though. That's why I didn't tear into her like I normally do when people insult me. I didn't want to brawl so close to Esme."

{She pets Esme thoughtfully after saying this.}

'Yeah, not near Esme and not in a public space. Y'know, considering how many dragons like to solve things physically, maybe you guys just need to fight it out. Then you'll be friends,' he said jokingly.

The waitress came back with their food; two stacks of pancakes with butter and syrup, a mug of hot chocolate with cream on top, and a wide bowl of the same.

{Dianne thanks the waitress and begins to eat.}

Dianne: "Were it so easy. I doubt Ardens would forgive me if I harmed his wife. In a no magic brawl, she'd beat me easy. Magic allowed, I'd have to hurt her pretty badly to get her to submit with how stubborn she is."

'Yeah, that's a problem. I don't want to hurt Ardens by half-killing his wife.' Armin stirred his drink thoughtfully with a spoon. 'But I guess if she ever attacks us first, we're justified in defending ourselves.'

Dianne: "True. But, I'd rather not rile her up. Let's just avoid her where we can."

'Fair enough. She's a pain.'

Subsiding into silence, he started to drink his hot chocolate. Esme was eating her food ravenously as usual.

{Dianne eyes Esme with amusement as she eats her own food.}

Dianne: "Why does she eat like that? We feed her plenty, so it's not like she's starving. Silly girl."

'Eh, kids don't have table manners.'

Armin sipped his drink, gazing around the diner with interest.

'Except Fred. He ate everything like he was at the king's dinner table.'

Dianne: "Of course he did."

{Dianne says, chuckling at the mental picture.}

Dianne: "That boy was never the rough and tumble type, was he?"

'Oh, no,' said Armin. 'He wasn't much different as a kid to how he is now. He used to cry and throw tantrums when other kids tried to play with him.'

Dianne: "What? So, other kids would want to play with him, and he'd refuse, to the point of acting out? Then, what did he do with his time?"

'He preferred to sit by himself, reading books, or writing... or doing puzzles, or any other activities that he could do alone, really. He never wanted to play rough or physical games. He didn't like getting dirty. It freaked him out.'

Dianne: "So, there were no other children who liked quiet activities he could spend time with?"

Armin shrugged. 'He found a handful of kids like that. He didn't have a lot of friends, though. Most of them just wanted to run around, and climb trees, and kick mud around.'

Dianne: "As kids do. Hold on, doesn't he get dirty with his new job, apprehending enemies of the kingdom? Surely, it's bloody work?"

'He's just a royal guard, not a soldier. He seems to spend most of his time patrolling the palace and guarding the king's sorry backside. When he does fight, he tends to shoot people, so... it's not like he engages in messy hand-to-hand combat.'

Dianne: "I see. He decided to not follow in his old man's footsteps and shy away from the sword."

{She says with amusement.}

Dianne: "To be honest, I'm a bit surprised he wasn't more freaked out by the curse back during the war."

'I think I saw him looking disgusted a few times. But yeah, he must've really had to work to hide it.' Armin finished his hot chocolate and sat back, eyeing Esme. 'It's kinda funny. Fred looks a lot like me, but he acts completely different. Especially when he was a kid.'

Dianne: "Yes. The resemblance is striking. However, perhapst the difference in personality is for the best. What would we do if he was just as reckless as you?"

'Oh, it's certainly for the best. I have a feeling Esme might turn out pretty reckless when she's older, so I'll have enough on my mind keeping her safe. My daughter, Julie, was like me, too... probably a good thing she's not still around...'

{Finished with her pancakes, Dianne leans back as well.}

Dianne: "Regardless, we'll have to watch this one carefully. Rowdy children are one thing, but rowdy dragons have a knack for...destruction."

'Yeah, we don't want her hurting anyone... or destroying my house. Hopefully, she'll be able to shift before she gets big enough to break my furniture.'

Dianne: "At her current rate of growth...unlikely. If she gets too big, we'll take her to my place. Lots more room, less flimsy furniture."

'Eh... I'll just keep hoping that she slows down. She can't keep growing at the same speed, or she'll be fully-grown by the time she's five.'

As Esme finished her breakfast, the waitress came back to take their plates away, and Armin paid her with a handful of squalls and haars.

Dianne: "She'll get extremely big very quickly. Regardless of what happens, we'll handle it."

{Picking up Esme, she stands to leave.}

Armin got up as well, heading out to the truck. His hand was in his pocket, absently clinking coins.

'So, shopping district next?' he asked. 'I think I remember how to get to the one from last time.'

Dianne: "Yes. Time to get our coats.}

{Hopping in, she buckles her seat belt and puts Esme on her lap.}

Once everyone was in, Armin headed off, relying on his memory as best as he could to navigate.

'I was thinking about trying to get people's Christmas presents while I'm here, too. I'm sure this city has a lot of choice. I converted some of my own gold to squalls the other day, so I have plenty of money.'

Dianne: "Yeah, the holidays are just around the corner. Any ideas on what to get everyone?"

'Well, for Pythia - you mentioned that she likes making terrariums with plants in them. I was thinking of getting her a new terrarium. It might encourage her to take a break from work and do something for herself.'

Dianne: "Yes, I think she'd like that. Putting something like this together might help keep her mind off work. What about Fred? What could we get him?"

'He's harder. I know he likes writing, though. Ryder mentioned once that he's always scribbling stories on paper. So, maybe I could get him a really nice notebook or journal to write his stuff in... Have you got any ideas for Jerry? I have no idea what his interests are.'

Dianne: "Jerry's hard. He doesn't talk about his interests. It's like he's only interested in work. Let's just keep thinking about it as we shop."

Armin grunted in acknowledgement. As he spotted the shopping district and started looking for somewhere to park, his mind turned to something else.

//What should I get /her/ for Christmas? It's a hard one... I have ideas, but I'm not sure... I'd like it to be something meaningful.//

{Unaware of his musings, Dianne pulled out her phone and began photographing the shopping district.}

Dianne: "Heheheheh...Eat your heart out, Ivy."

Armin smirked when he noticed what she was doing. Finding a spot in the crowded district, he parked up, grabbed Esme and jumped out.

'Oh, she's going to hate you.'

Dianne: "Oh, I'm counting on it."

{Dianne presses send and hops out, following Armin.}

Armin gazed around, before heading towards the same large clothing store that he'd gotten his last jacket from.

A minute or so after Dianne sent her text, Ivy replied with:

<rich snobs... stp bragging abt going 2 xpensive stores>

{Dianne chuckles as she reads the message. Following Armin into the store, she looks around curiously.}

Dianne: "Now, where's the ladies' section?"

'I'm not sure. It's a big place.' Armin seemed slightly overwhelmed by the scale of the store, even after being here before. 'Well, I know where the mens' jackets are, so I'm going to go and look there...'

Dianne: "I'll go with you...I'll find my stuff later."

{She follows him, snapping pictures of the latest fashions and sending them to Ivy.}

Armin managed to navigate back to the same section as before, where various coats and jackets were hung up on display. He inspected them, paying particular attention to the leather jackets.

Ivy, meanwhile, had decided to get revenge in the only way she knew how.

<sooo... u 2 actually have slept 2gether? whats it like? >:) >

{Dianne looks at the text, and chuckles.}

Dianne: "Armin, Ivy wants to know what it's like sleeping with you."

Dianne: <Yeah, I'm not giving you details. It's too grown for you. Ask Jerry to give "you the talk" first.>

'Oh yeah?' Armin chuckled quietly as he browsed the jackets. 'I think she'd be disturbed by all the fangs and biting.'

Ivy: <shut up... u know Jerry speculates about ur love life 2? We're ALWAYS talkin about it.>

Dianne: "Yeah, she wouldn't understand it. It's too grown for her."

<I'm sure he does, being inquisitive by nature. Notice, however, that he has the decency to not pelt us with inappropriate questions. Be more like Jerry.>

Ivy: <he doesnt know whats hes missing... Hey, he told me that he saw u eyeing an attractive dragoness, summer of last year. That true?>

Although they wouldn't see it, Ivy was snickering to herself as she typed, enjoying pestering them.

{Dianne stopped for a moment, eye twitching at that remark. She then starts to reply.}

Dianne: "Of course he'd notice that..."

Dianne: <I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. I never eyed anyone.>

Armin glanced over curiously, then went back to picking out his clothes. He was getting three; two leather jackets, and a long, warm winter coat.

<of course not.> The smugness was practically visible in Ivy's texts. <ok, if u wont discuss that, wanna hear smthg interesting abt ur boyfriend instead?>

{Dianne raises a brow at this, texting back.}

<I'd say no, but I get the feeling you're going to tell me anyway.>

Ivy: <yknow Rex? the guy you share a house with? Armin used to have a relatnship w/ him. bet u didnt know that.>

Dianne: "Heh. That's not news to me..."

<No sh!t, Sherlock. Anyone who watches the way they're affectionate with each other could tell that. What's your point?>

Armin glanced over again, hauling a heap of coats and jackets in his arms. 'Are you still talking to Ivy?' he said, amused.

<you knew??> Ivy's disappointment was clear in her texting. <aww...>

Dianne: "Yeah, she's a chatterbox. All done? Great, let's go find the ladies' section. I'd like to look at the dresses as well."

{Scooping up Esme in one hand, she continues on her way.}

<Of course I knew. You couldn't possibly be this close to Armin and not know.>

(posting new room)