Back at the royal palace that evening, a massive banquet unfolds in honor of the Pleasure Prince and the Demon Queen's arrival.
Kathoril and Vexena huddle at one end of the long table, deep in logistics and diplomacy, while Virelle sits beside them, elbow deep in some elaborate dwarven confectionery. At the other end of the table, Kandor floods Vuvi with an endless stream of questions about Pip's construction. The rest of the team and the generals trade stories about the past few chaotic days across the rest of the table, speculating on what the next stretch might hold.
Vuvi, flattered but visibly worn down by Kandor's relentless enthusiasm, finally seizes the chance to change the subject. "So... what's the plan with the fire crystals? The Flame Mother?"
Kandor goes quiet, turning to his sister.
"I trusted them with the truth." Kathoril shrugs. "They promised to help."
The King's eyes go wide. He turns back to Vuvi and Pip. "You're really going to bring the Flame Mother back?"
