In the wake of all of the recent bullshit spreading across Novus like the dumbest plague, Israfel was grateful to just sit back and relax. Somehow, she and Theodosia hadn’t spent a lot of time together despite both being military-minded individuals and serving the same Court, and what a shame that was. The fierce cadet was a force to be reckoned with, and Israfel had admired her tenacity, her bravery, and her bottomless determination even in the face of danger and illness alike. Few creatures had remained steadfast in the colossal ’screw you’ that had been the mess in Terrastella involving the floods, the landslides, and Vespera, but Theodosia had. It was commendable, and she had noticed.

Now? They were both hundreds of miles away from their home, and Warden or not, Israfel had no intentions on heading back anytime soon. It was nice to just relax and let the world pass them by, the scent of smoke upon the breeze akin to a gentle perfume. That, and she didn’t exactly want to leave quite yet, having been enjoying getting to tease and distract a certain blue roan Warden of Delumine…

Following along at Theodosia’s side, cloven gold hooves guiding the Sun Daughter along in a confident sashay, the Warden rose a pale brow at the cadet’s offer. Coffee? In Delumine? Why the heck not. “Sure,” she agreed, sending the pale lady a warm grin, “That sounds like just what I need right now.” It took no time at all for them to get settled on the stone patio, the sun warm and welcome upon her spine as they were given their drinks and left to their own devices. Solaris remained roosting upon Israfel’s croup, the lavender of her eyes watching the court around them, always vigilant for some kind of threat.

Using the gift of her telekinesis, which was still strange to her, by the way, Israfel sipped at her cup of coffee and let the flavor rest upon her tongue. It was hot, but not scalding, the taste rich and dark and earthy. It was refreshing, and just the thing she needed to collect herself and her thoughts. Vermilion eyes then focused on Theodosia as the cadet went about speaking, wasting no time in voicing what was on her mind. A pale brow arched as a quizzical expression overtook Israfel’s face, and she hummed, letting the cup rest before her once more.

“There’s probably some formal bullshit about it all, but honestly? I don’t know, and I don’t really care about formality.” She paused, casting Theodosia that flippant grin once more. “The only ‘requirement’ I can think of is that we just have to beat the crap out of each other and call it good, just so I can test your mettle in battle. I’ve already seen your prowess and your dedication, Theodosia. It’s been hard to miss with all of the madness that happened in Terrastella.”

There was something about the rueful way that Theodosia asked her inquiry, acerbic and playful, that caused Israfel’s rose-kissed lips to twist upwards in a shrewd smirk. Vermilion eyes, sharp and knowing, glanced about the courtyard around them. Aside from the two of them sipping their fancy little coffees in the cafe, the citizens of Delumine seemed to have business elsewhere. Still, it wouldn’t take much to gather a crowd. She could only imagine the scandalous, incredulous expressions that would be sent their way if they suddenly decided to throw down in the middle of the courtyard…

“Tempting,” Israfel commented with a breathy chuckle, letting her cup of coffee sit untouched for the time being. Fiery eyes flashed, averting from the peaceful citadel of the Dawn Court to focus once more instead on her companion, a pale ear tipping forward in genuine intrigue. “We shouldn’t. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing the look on Ulric’s face if he came to see what the hell was going on.”

That, and they were technically here on a diplomatic mission of sorts. To suddenly start throttling each other in the capitol of Delumine probably wasn’t what Asterion intended when he sent them all to answer Somnus’ plea for assistance. Not that they could offer much by way of said assistance, given that the Warden nor cadet were medics of any kind. Regardless, that wasn’t their focus. Right now Israfel was quite content to just sit, drink some pretty delicious coffee, and converse with a like-minded friend. It had been far too long since she had just sat down and relaxed.

“Have you met him, yet? Ulric, I mean. He is the Warden here.” Leaning forward, Israfel dipped her head closer to Theodosia, eyes flashing with mischievous intent as her voiced dropped to almost a conspiratorial level. “A bit stiff and a stubborn son of a bitch, but damn good looking. I like him.” The said blue roan was proving to be a good companion, or even a friend of sorts. They hardly knew one another and yet Israfel found herself looking forward to the amicable companionship he provided.

Still, back to the matter at hand… “I know a place just outside of town that we can go to have a bit of a spar, if you’d like. After we finish our drinks?” Arching a brow, the Sun Daughter paused and waited for an answer, although she was certain that she knew what Theodosia would already say.

Upon her croup, Solaris shifted her great wings, the keen lavender of the mystic avian’s eyes focusing on the two conversing mares. ’We will be fighting her, my chosen?’ The question came suddenly, almost taking the Daughter of the Sun by surprise if not for the prior feeling of curiosity that drifted through the internal link between equine and bonded. Israfel’s grin only grew, eyes closing for only a moment as she mentally answered. Indeed we will. Be ready.