party formation.

Vickary and Marium were already waiting in the lobby when they got to the bottom of the steps.

"Nel," Vickary spoke, "Hand the trays to Gloria, she'll make sure they get to the kitchen. I'd like to not waste time if we don't have too."

"Yes mother."

"Need I remind you yet again that as a member of the guild you need to call me 'Mistress' in public? I'll let it slide around your uncle Alex, but we're going to be in public today."

Nellara sighed as she handed the stack of tray off to the girl behind the service desk, "Yes mistress."

"That's better." Vickary turned to the door, "Grab your bag and lets go."

"Doesn't uncle Alex need a bag?"

"Nonsense," Vickary replied, "He's our bodyguard for the excursion. Carrying a bag would be an encumbrance for him."

"We don't normally need a guard."

"We're not normally being targeted in a guild war."

"So the fragile women carry the burden while the strapping man carries the sword?"

Vickary snapped, "If you think you're better with a sword then Alex will carry the bag for you. Care to test yourself?"

Nellara shrank just a touch, and Marium slid behind Alex to get out of sight.

"No mistress," Nel lowered her head, "Sorry ma, I just don't want people thinking I'm frail."

Vickary softened, "I know love. But you also need to know your own limits, if we weren't stressed out right now your uncle would have a pack too. But right now we don't know what will happen and we need our best chances. You'll get your chance to prove yourself, there's no need to hurry it."

Alex coughed softly, "We should be going. Vic, Nel, the shops will be opening soon."

Vickary nodded, "Yes, lets go. Show your pride ladies, we're members of the undefeated street." And with the full confidence and presence of a guild mistress she strode out the door.

Marium followed out the door, while Alex took a moment to console Nel, "If worse comes too and I need to protect you all, I'll need to trust you to cover the places I can't. Drop your pack if necessary, but try only as a last resort. Can you do that for me?"

Nel swallowed her shame and looked up at Alex, "Best uncle ever." She gave him a quick hug and rushed out the door.

As Alex made his exit Demon waved from the counter, "If you kill anyone I want their eyeballs to play with!"

As the door swung closed Alex groaned inside, somethings never changed.