The anger of the Jierans disappeared like snow under the spring's sun. Their mouths watered at the idea of tasting spices after years of plain food, eating bread, and not having to live in the underground dungeon that the beasts called a city.
"Otherwise we might take in people who are more trouble than they are worth or who might defect at the first controversy and reveal our plans to our competitors. I need loyal subjects and despite all your powers, Featherling, you are no leader.
Back during his first stay, Lith was still an Archmage and he had quelled a drunken fight between mercenary groups. To apologize for the disturbance, he had left a wooden plaque reading: "My beer is mightier than the sword".
"Gods, now I see how Thrud managed to keep you guys under her thumb." She replied. "Whatever she did to evolve you, it must have messed with your brains because no one can be this stupid."
"If your parents are having marital problems, I'm the wrong person for advice." The Hydra sighed. "You should ask Surtr or Rethia. How their marriage has lasted for so long is beyond me."
Thrud's former vassals stood there in silence for a few minutes. Not in respect for the fallen but because it was hard for them to accept that so many people had died under their watch yet they hadn't noticed.
His anger was genuine. He didn't care much about Orion and Jirni. They were good people and decent business partners but that was it. Friya and Quylla, however, were another story entirely.
"Please, keep your pants on. Please, keep your pants on. Please, keep your pants on." Morok begged, incapable of averting his eyes from the raw, savage splendor of Orion's body.
"That was the plan, boss." She chuckled, getting back into character. "Don't worry about the details. Just focus on teaching me how to handle and wield your hammer."
"Yeah, but it's not a big deal. When you have eyes like mine, it takes but a few glances to find them." Lith sat beside her and she leaned her head on his shoulder.