Debriefing

After a while spent enjoying the closeness, the three of you get out of bed. Getting dressed, you note how odd it is to see Ferra putting on clothes, rather than simply forming them. You feel like there’s plenty of little things about her being human that will change her, but the flush of her cheeks as she looks back at you tells you that none of it will change your feelings for each other. The small smile on her face and the gentle squeeze as she takes your hand are familiar, and comfortable.

Lilith, meanwhile, looks somewhat nervous as she approaches, once again wearing the outfit that barely covers her. Despite her confidence in bed, she’s clearly not used to being affectionate rather than sexual. Reaching out, you put an arm around her waist, pulling her close. You plant a soft kiss on her lips, and she seems to melt against you. When you break the kiss, you see her eyes are closed and there’s a smile on her face. Slowly, she opens her eyes and blushes. It looks like she wants to say something, but doesn’t, instead simply leaning against you.

You look around, wondering what happens now. You’re about to ask one of the girls if they know, when the world seems to lose focus around you. From the way both Ferra and Lilith tense up, you know it’s happening for them too. Almost as soon as it happens, though, it ends, as everything snaps back to normal. However, either the room has shifted, or you’ve been moved, because you’re no longer in the bedroom.

You find yourself in a smaller room, facing a circular table. Poena sits in a large chair at the table, facing you. Around the table are four chairs, and Poena gestures for you and the girls to have a seat. As you sit, a fabulous meal appears upon the table.

Poena nods. “Go ahead, eat. There’s much to discuss, much to be explained.”

You start to eat, as do Ferra and Lilith. Poena smiles, and begins to speak. “I imagine that you wonder what happens now. First of all, there is nothing left of the corruption. The defeat of Niran has ended it at its source.”

She gestures towards a window. “This city has gone quiet. Niran’s supporters have either been cured or expunged, depending upon the depth of corruption. Your army won’t need to fight when it arrives.”

You nod. “One less thing to worry about. That’ll make peace much easier to achieve.”

Poena folds her clawed hands on the table. “Now, as for who rules now, that is not my concern. Nor, in fact, will it be yours. My champion has a greater calling than simple rulership. But there is another who can explain in terms your mind could understand more easily.”

She waves at the empty chair beside her. “A previous, victorious champion. One you may recognize. He chose to serve once again. It is time for that service to end, but before I send him home, he can lay out your new responsibilities, my champion.”

As you watch, a large figure materializes, seated in the empty chair. As Poena said, you recognize him immediately, as do Ferra and Lilith. All three of you stare in surprise, as Rahu grins and leans back in his chair. He looks at the three of you and nods his head.