'Nobody's seen him around in a while, so maybe we'll be OK. It'd be nice for Pythia to be able to come without feeling threatened.'

Dianne: "Yeah. That poor girl doesn't get enough relaxation time. I'll ask Frederick if he can have his people bar him from the event."

'Crowley's a whiny seagull,' Armin commented. 'He's not a serious danger to any of us. If he manages to get in, we'll throw him out. It'll be fine.'

Dianne: "Very well. That reminds me, this Saturday, I'm taking Pythia to the gym to teach her how to fight. That way, if Crowley does show up, it won't be a problem."

'Oh, I hope it goes well,' said Ryder.

'Even if you do teach her to fight, that doesn't mean she's going to beat Crowley up,' said Armin.

'But knowing how to defend herself will help if he gets violent,' said Ryder.

Dianne: "Her safety is my only concern. Drive him off, kill him, as long as she's safe in the end, that's all that matters. She doesn't need to be like us, she just needs to be able to defend herself."

'With any luck, he won't show up,' said Ryder. 'I'm hoping for a nice, fun party. Of course, I don't know the details yet. But Christmas parties around here are usually pretty good.'

Dianne: "Yes. I think it will be a good fun time for everyone."

{Right then, the waitress returned with their food and drink.}

Waitress: "Enjoy!"

Armin murmured a thank-you and starting digging into his trout, while Esme eagerly snapped up a few fries.

'This is good... not as good as if it were fresh-grilled straight from the lake, though.'

Dianne: "I agree. We should try to do that again before the lake freezes over. I am not setting foot on that ice."

{Dianne begins to eat, seemingly enjoying the food.}

'We do need to do that again. In a few days, maybe.'

Ryder was cutting into his salmon. He ate a lot more neatly and carefully than Armin or Esme.

'Thanks for inviting me here,' he said. 'You don't need to let me encroach on your dinner, but I appreciate it.'

Dianne: "Nonsense, Ryder, you're not encroaching. You help us all so much. We're happy to have you, any time."

'Aw, it's no trouble. I like being useful. Honestly, it sucked having to bring you over to fight Viridi for us. I should have done it, being the only other dragon, but I'm a bit on the small side...'

Dianne: "Ryder, don't worry about it. The lives of those boys were too important. Maybe next time, Viridi will show us some respect rather than being humiliated in front of his entire tribe."

'Oh, those guys take fighting and honour seriously. It would be a bigger blow to his pride to give them up without a fight. He thinks it would make his tribe look weak. So if this ever happens again, don't rule out the possibility of him challenging you.'

Dianne: "Maybe next time I'll break both his legs instead...or, if he lets me use my magic, I'll beat him without taking any damage...that should send the message."

'I'd like if you could use magic next time,' Armin interjected. 'It'd be preferable to having you come back bleeding and with broken bones. Though, you did a great job beating him without magic.'

Dianne: "Of course. When I was a part of the cult, they taught me a fighting style called Adynamia. It focuses on breaking down the body of my opponent piece by piece until they are dead or neutralized. All Viridi knew was to try to brute force through me like a wild animal.. He never stood a chance."

'Piece by piece... That's why you ruined his arms, then? Well, that's useful,' said Armin. He focused on his fish for a moment. 'So, who actually taught you all this stuff? Did they have people in the cult whose job was to train newbies or something?'

Dianne: "Well, sort of. New members had to be trained. Dolorus taught the necromancy magic part, the Doc taught embalming, another taught the fighting, and so on. Each person had to empart what they knew."

'And then you get a few thousand years' fighting experience on top of that... I bet there's not many people who could beat you,' said Ryder.

Dianne: "Exactly. With the exception of light mages, there's very little I can't deal with."

'And, of course, people stabbing you with your own magic pike because you dropped it,' said Armin innocently, but with a teasing hint of mirth.

{Dianne just rolls her eyes and keeps eating.}

Dianne: "So, Ryder, where did you grow up?"

'The Haven mountain range,' said Ryder. 'The smaller range just north of Viridi's territory. We're a small tribe of mostly Shifter Dragons. Nice place. I only moved because I heard that Sovereign was letting non-humans in and I wanted to be one of the first to see the place.'

Dianne: "Yeah? How does this place compar to home?"

'It's nice. Not the same in a lot of ways, obviously, but I really like all the little shops and restaurants. And some of the people are nice.'

Dianne: "Is your tribe friendly, or would they want to fight me over insignificant things like Viridi?"

'They're great, for the most part. We have competitive matches too, but we're nicer about it. Oh. and the last chief was kinda weird... Grimm... he persuaded some of the tribe to fight in the Shacklestone War with him...'

{At that, Dianne nearly choked on her drink.}

Dianne: "Cough, cough.....Grimm?...Grimm was your tribe leader?!..."

{She asks hoarsely.}

Armin thumped her on the back and gave her a sharp look. Ryder's expression was faintly apologetic.

'Yeah. Not anymore, obviously. He died. Silly old man.'

{Dianne glances apologetically at Armin.}

Dianne: "Yeah...silly old man..."

{She wasn't sure if Ryder knew that she was directly involved in Grimm's death. Regardless, she quickly changed the subject.}

Dianne: "Well, if there is a Christmas party, I wonder if we should give everyone their presents then."

'Not all of them,' said Armin. 'I need to give you yours privately.'

'Well, since most of us will be together, it seems like a convenient time for presents,' said Ryder. 'For those who want to do it then.'

{Dianne eyed Armin curiously before continuing.}

Dianne: "Yes, I think it would be a good time to give the presents. Everyone will be in one place. Now, we just need to wrap them."

'Our stuff still needs to be shipped back from Alexandria,' Armin observed. 'As soon as it comes back, we'll sit down and wrap it all.'

'Well, you're ahead of me. I still need to buy things,' said Ryder.

Dianne: "You still have plenty of time. Christmas is still a month away."

{Having finished, Dianne sits back and sips her drink.}

Armin had had enough, leaving just a few pieces of fish on his plate as he sat back to enjoy his wine. Esme snapped up her last fry.

'Well,' said Ryder, pushing his empty plate away, 'thanks again for having me.'

Dianne: "Of course, Ryder. We're happy to have you."

{Reaching into her pocket, Dianne produces some bank notes to pay.}

Ryder watched her pulling out notes, looking a little uncertain. Armin caught onto his look.

'Don't worry about the money. She's probably the richest person in the country.'

Dianne: "Yeah. Also, I said it would be my treat. I got this."

{Leaving a tip on the table, Dianne gets up to pay for the meal.}

Ryder and Armin stood up, and Esme obediently followed suit, jumping down onto the floor of the restaurant.

'I'll drive you all home,' said Ryder.

Dianne: "Thank you, Ryder. When we get there, I have something to give you."

{Picking up Esme, Dianne gets in the car.}

Ryder took up position in the driver's seat while Armin got into the back with the others. He leaned back in his seat, looking content and slightly drowsy.

Once everyone was safely in, Ryder set off into the night, heading back for Dianne's house.

Dianne: "Wow, it's night already? Jeeze, where does the time go?"

'Well, it is nearly winter...' said Armin.

He slouched back in his seat, dozing off a little. He stayed that way until they arrived back outside Dianne's house.

'And here's our next stop,' said Ryder.

{Hopping out, Dianne scoop up Esme and heads for the front door. Once they get the foyer, Dianne lets Esme down.}

Dianne: "Ok, Ryder, wait here."

{Dianne walks down a hallway, disappearing from sight.}

Armin carried the armour and weapons out of the car Ryder lingered in the doorway. He already had a good idea what this was all about.

{Dianne appeared a minute later carrying a large bag. Opening it, Dianne pulls out a set of heavy steel plate armor. It had runes engraved into it similar to Dianne's winter armor. It seemed to be in rather good condition.}

Dianne: "Here, Ryder. This armor is way better than anything the guard will issue you, and it will scale up to fit your dragon form."

Ryder gazed at the armour almost reverently, touching the edge of a plate.

'Cool... This will be useful next time there's trouble. I'll have to try it tomorrow. Thanks.'

Dianne: "Of course. Stay safe out there, ok, Ryder?"

Ryder took the bag of armour.

'Of course. You guys look out for yourselves too. There's always trouble around the corner... Well, have a nice evening.'

He started to head back out to his car, carrying the armour carefully.

Dianne: "Bye, Ryder."

{Closing the door behind him, Dianne turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "Alright, I need to shower. Since you got shot in the gut today, you get to decide what we do for the rest of the evening."

'Is that how it works?' said Armin, amused. 'Alright, well... I was in a fight, so I guess I should shower too. Afterwards... maybe we could get some ale over from my place and have a small drink?'

Dianne: "Alright. We'll have to take Esme with us. Are we bringing the ale back here or drinking over there?"

'We should bring it here. If we drink there, we'll have to fly back afterwards, and that might be a bad idea if you're drunk. Also, only one of us needs to fly over there and get the ale.'

Dianne: "Alright. Now is that going to be you or me? I think I'd rather go, since there's still a a Tussock at large."

Armin scratched his jaw in thought. 'I forgot about him...' //I wonder if he'll come back to try and rescue his brother? If they're close, I know I would.// 'Alright, you can go. I'll stay and watch Esme.'

Dianne: "Ok, I'll shower, then go."

{With that, she heads upstairs to the bath.}

After Dianne left, Armin and Esme looked at each other for a moment. Then Esme ran off, finding her ball in the living room and dragging Armin into a game like hide and seek, where she hid the ball and made him look for it.

{A few minutes later, Dianne reappeared in her winter coat. She pokes her head into the room they were playing in.}

Dianne: "Alright, I'm off to get the ale. See you in a bit."

Armin glanced up, having just found Esme's ball shoved under a cabinet. He retrieved it and threw it back to her.

'OK. Be careful,' he said. 'And Rex should be at home, so he can let you in.'

Dianne: "Ok, I'll text you when I get there."

{With that, she heads out the front door.}

Armin resumed playing with Esme, with increasing laziness as he got tired. Eventually, she trotted off to play by herself and Armin found a couch to sit on, leaning back and contemplating the day's events.

//Wonder what Jerry's doing right now... I hope he gets through this alright.//

{After a little while, Dianne arrives at Armin's house. Knocking on the door, she waits for an answer.}

After a few moments, the door was opened, slowly and cautiously, to reveal Rex. He was smoking a cigarette and gave Dianne a puzzled look when he realised she was alone.

'...Do you need something?'

Dianne: "Hello, Rex. I came to get some ale. May I come in?"

A hint of relief showed in Rex's face when he understood that she wasn't here because something bad had happened.

'Come in, then,' he said and stepped back from the doorway.

Dianne: "Thank you."

{Pulling out her phone, she texts Armin.}

//I'm here.//

Armin texted back within seconds: <OK. I'll wait to shower until you get back, so Esme won't be left alone.>

Rex disposed of his cigarette. 'He's all right, then?' he said eventually. 'I understand that he was shot.'

Dianne: "Oh, yeah, he's fine. Pythia patched him right up."

{Walking into the kitchen, Dianne gets a crystal decanter, then heads for the basement.}

Dianne: "You can call him if you want. He's just keeping an eye on Esme."

'I've texted him since the incident. Had to check that he was alright. But I wanted to hear it from you, too.'

Rex followed her into the hallway, but didn't go into the basement, instead lingering by the top of the steps.

{Dianne emerges with the decanter full of ale.}

Dianne: "Glad I could ease your mind. We'll be living here again soon enough. Just need our car to arrive."

'I won't be offended if you both want to stay at your house,' said Rex. 'I'm aware it's bigger. And warmer. And I'm probably not the most pleasant houseguest, either.'

Dianne: "Nonsense. You're a fine house guest. While my house is bigger and warmer, Armin doesn't like it as much as this property."

'Is that so? Well. I'm happy to have you both, if you decide to return.'

Dianne: "Glad to hear that. Well, I'd better get back. We'll see you later, Rex."

'Goodnight, Dianne.'

As she prepared to leave, Rex settled down on the couch and turned the TV on.

{After an uneventful flight, Dianne returns to her house. Coming into the foyer, she looks around for Armin and Esme.}

Dianne: "I'm home."

They were in the room with the TV, Armin sitting on the giant beanbag, Esme on the floor, both watching a movie. When Armin heard Dianne coming in, he hurried to the foyer to meet her.

'Welcome back. Got the ale? I'll just shower quickly and then we can have some.'

{Dianne holds up the decanter.}

Dianne: "Yup. Esme's watching TV in the rec room?"

'Yeah. Happily engaged in her usual evening activity.'

Armin eyed the decanter with a slight smile.

'Alright, just give me a few minutes.'

Dianne: "Ok, take your time."

{Dianne first walks to the kitchen to get a pair of glasses. She then walks into the Rex room and sits on the bean bag, watching the tv and waiting for Armin.}

(The Rex room. XD)

Esme glanced at her mother before continuing to watch the TV. Armin didn't take long in the shower, returning a few minutes later in his nightclothes, after throwing his ruined shirt out. He quietly entered the rec room and settled down beside Dianne.

'So, how about a drink, m'lady?'

(Autocorrect XD)

{Dianne was sitting on the bean bag, watching a campy action movie. She smiles at Armin when he walks in.}

Dianne: "Have a nice shower?"

{Opening the decanter, she pours a small amount into both glasses.}

'Very refreshing. Now I don't need to smell like blood and Jerry's family members anymore.'

Armin watched her pour out some ale, then accepted his share. Taking a long sip, he closed his eyes with a contented expression.

{Putting an arm around him, Dianne pulls him close and kisses his cheek. Settling in, she sips her ale contentedly.}

Dianne: "Good. Let's just relax here for a little."

Getting comfortable beside her, Armin slowly worked his way through his glass while watching the movie. When it was almost empty, he reached for the decanter to refill it.

'Heh... you own a giant bean bag... that's not something I'd have expected...'

{Dianne handed him the decanter, smiling.}

Dianne: "Here. Yeah, I was skeptical at first, but then...I fell asleep on it inside the furniture store...So, I bought it."

Armin carefully poured out some more drink for himself.

'Heh. Well, it is nice. Nothing wrong with it...'

Taking a sip, he smiled and watched her out the corner of his eye.

{Dianne smiles, turning to look at him.}

Dianne: "I see you looking at me. Need more ale?"

Armin smirked, eyeing her over his glass.

'Just admiring the view...'

{Dianne chuckles, drinking the last of her ale.}

Dianne: "I am pretty, aren't I? I should go get prettied up one day. Go to a salon. Would probably drive Ivy nuts..."

'She'd probably still insist she's better-looking than you.'

He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek, then turned away and downed a good amount of ale.

'...I bet she's secretly jealous of you... not just for being prettier... but also because you're with /me/... Ivy's never gonna find anyone as handsome and cool as I am...'

Dianne: "No, she is noot....She just has trash tier guys...I got lucky, finding you..."

{Dianne pours herself some more ale. However, she already seems to have a loose tongue.}

When she poured herself another drink, Armin got himself a little more as well. He sat there sipping it, looking a little unsteady.

'Aren't you glad I decided to come on that cross-country trip with you... otherwise this might have never happened...'

Dianne: "Very...Hmmm....Starting to see two of you...We should probably stop..."

Armin just chuckled, downed what remained of his drink, and set the glass aside, swaying very slightly.

'You alright?' he said with amusement.

Dianne: "I'm fiiine.... I think I just drank it too fast..."

{She puts her cup down, blinking heavily.}

Armin wrapped an arm around her and affectionately pulled her against his side, grinning woozily.

'Heh, you should know better, with all the drinking you do...'

Dianne: "Yeah, yeah..."

{Chuckling, she snuggles up to him, nuzzling into his neck.}

At that, he wrapped both arms around her, pulling her tight against him, grinning and rubbing her back.

'Aww.'

Dianne: "Hmmhmmhmm....my Amateotl..."

{Dianne settles in with him, smiling contentedly}

Armin gave a light, affectionate nip to the side of her neck, continuing to rub her back as he did so.

'Mhm... I like it when you call me that... or when you speak Ferrosian at all, really.'

{Dianne tenses at the nip, looking up at him.}

Dianne: "Yeah? Well, I love it when you're affectionate with me...makes me feel loved..."

{Putting her face back into his neck, she nips him sharply.}

Armin gave a small jolt, his breath stuttering. Tightening his arms around her, he gave a soft chuckle.

'That's good... Since I can't help being affectionate...'

Dianne: "I love you..."

{Dianne squeezes him tightly, closing her eyes.}

Armin stayed put for a moment. Then, he shifted position, curling one arm around her back and the other underneath her legs. Without warning, he stood up, sweeping her off her feet. He gave a sly grin as he stood there holding her in his arms.

{Dianne yelps in surprise. Looking up at him, she chuckles.}

Dianne: "So, you've got me. Now what?"

'I don't know. What /should/ I do?'

He smiled, seeming to hold her with little effort despite being slightly lightheaded from drinking.

{Dianne returned his smile, lightly grabbing onto his shirt.}
Dianne: "Hmm, I don't know...maybe you can carry me somewhere...where we can be alone? Barnabas can watch Esme."

'Mhm, sounds like a plan.'

He glanced at Esme by the TV, then turned and walked out. He carried her through the house to their bedroom, by which point, it was getting harder to hold her. After kicking the door shut behind them, he put her down on the bed, leaning in for a kiss.

{Dianne pulls him in for the kiss. Then, grinning mischievously, she grabs a hold of him and pulls him onto the bed, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him more fervently.}

Armin smelled, and tasted, of alcohol. But then, she probably did too. He lightly dug his teeth into her lip, running his hands up underneath her shirt on both sides. With a quiet growl, he dug his nails in and clawed his way down her ribs.

{With a deep breath, Dianne digs her nails into his back, fidgeting at the sensation. She began to kiss down his face, then his neck, gently nipping him there.}

Breathing unsteadily, he sunk closer to her, enjoying it. After a while, he turned the tables, ducking his head to reach under her jaw and lightly biting there. At the same time, he curled one hand around the back of her neck and gently caressed it while he nipped at her.

{Dianne gasped quietly, leaning her head back and arching her back. She gripped him tightly, clawing at his back.}

Armin tensed, and continued lightly biting underneath her jaw. He scraped his nails very gently down the nape of her neck as he did so. Though blurred from alcohol, he was still being very careful.

{Dianne continues to fidget, very much enjoying this.}

Dianne: "Huh...yes...keep going..."

Armin gripped the back of her neck and dropped his attention lower. He drove his teeth into the muscle between her neck and shoulder, somewhat hard, closing his eyes with a soft groan as he satisfied the biting instinct.

{Dianne groans, squirming restlessly.}

Dianne: "Mmm...Yeah..."

Armin drew back and rested his head on her shoulder. He stayed there for a bit, just catching his breath.

{Dianne relaxes, breathing heavily with a wide smile on her face.}

Dianne: "...Let's move things along...I'm ready, how about you?"

'...Yes... Probably should... While I can still see straight...'

He stayed there for a moment longer, then pushed himself off her and turned his attention to his clothes.

(Skip?)

(Yee, you go. I'mma sleep now.}

(I'll post a new room and reply later.)