Triumph

Chapter 1: The dinner

Finally, all is over. At last, my people are free. So, does everybody say. Darrow, you should relax a bit. No more battles. Mustang said we should celebrate with a magnificent dinner with all our dearest friends. Enjoy ourselves after the long and hard journey. Still, some dark part of my heart was not sure about this, this strange peaceful moment. However, right now here, sitting and watching the people around the big table dressed in sparkling gold light, I realize she was right. A smile crosses my face as I watch Sevro eat like there is no tomorrow, ignoring the killing glares of Victra by his side, while Daxo laughs soundly at some joke Holiday said and Kavax tries to not get caught as he sneaks treats to my son and Sophocles. The people who fought by my side and whom I love gathered around me. I so hope that would be it, the start of something worth all the pain and loses... I turn towards Mustang. She smiles and holds my hand. She shines more than any star in the universe. I look at our son, his golden glory and happy babbling and still wonder how is this possible.

Sevro stands up, sauce tainting his shirt but not giving a damn. He holds his wine cup in the air, spilling some of it in his trousers. I can foresee how he will end the night and cannot wait for his wife reaction. His cheeks are apple-red, clearly, he is having a great time and more than a little too much alcohol.

- Salve, REAPEEEEERRRRR!!!!!!!!

Everybody cheers back and raise their cups. More food comes, plenty of meats and seafood, fresh baked breads, roasted vegetables and exotic fruits and spongy cakes, smells mixing, and never short of alcohol. I just have to wonder when the dinner transformed in such an orgy. I should be used by now, but it still feels a bit insane.

- I always knew my Pax was right about you. _ Kavax voice roars from the other side of the table.

- Right about what, my friend?

- You are a man that knows how to have fun, Darrow! _ he's is laughing and wine spurs from his mouth and his red bear. I'm starting to worry how this dinner is going to end if things keep escalating. _ Plus, my Sophocles never is wrong regarding people, right, darling? _ the fox is sitting in his own chair next to his boisterous master, enjoying a chicken breast.

Daxo winks at me and I return the smile. He is also flustered and the angels in his skull show even more than usual. Is everyone getting pretty drunk too quick?

- Great man my ASS! He is full of fart, our Reaper. DAMM, BOY!! Don't take a piss and get pissed already!!_ Victra looks at me, apologetically, while I hear Cassius laugh at Sevro drunk show.

- I do agree with him, Darrow. Please, enjoy yourself more. You have earned it, victors right. _ Cassius seems relax, and I feel happy to see him like that after so long.

- It's easy for you to say, Cassius. But I wonder if you are going to stay sober to get my sorry ass to bed before the night ends. _ all these gorgeous and amazing warriors, all having such a great time, is getting me tipsy in a way.

- MORE WINE!!!_ Sevro gets back the bottle of red that Victra was traying to hide behind a roasted turkey.

- I wonder .... _ Mustang looks at me with a wicked sparkle in her eyes. _ Take care of your "children" while I take Pax to his room, will you? _ she leans into my ear, her hot breath making my heart jump a bit. _I think adult time is going to start sooner than I thought.

I look around me and start to resign myself to a night going out of control. I am not sure anymore if I can trust the more serious one, Mustang and Cassius, to get a hold of the rest. Even Holiday seems too spirited and ... is she doing some weird staff to Daxo under the table?!

- Daaarrooowww!!_ Sevro sits and puts his arms around my neck, making me choke. _ Gorydamm, broooo ..... I luv ya sooo mush...._ his crocked teeth show and a strong smell to alcohol come from his mouth. _ how many bottles has he drunk already?

- Sevro, c'mon... _ I ruffled his mohawk and try to get rid of his strong arms.

- Nooooo._ he is mumbling nonsensical words while putting his arms around my neck, impossible to detach him now.

- Jajaja! Well, Darrow, you take care of your puppy, then. _ Victra salute me with her knife, and I am not sure how far is she joking.

- JAJAJA! JUST AS CLINGY AS MY SOPHOCLES. _ and there you go, Kavax puts the tamed fox around his broad shoulders while more wine is going down his throat.

- This is going to be a night just some of us will remember. _ Cassius keeps eating, unruffled by the chaos is starting to uphold around us. _ But I do understand the game, after all. It is a natural reaction, don't you think? After all the blood and death, a bit of life joy is expected.

- Um! I was certainly not expecting this, Cassius. _ Sevro is still clinging to me, and still managing to keep wine disappearing from the table. _ But you might be right. What else to do after yesterday gore?

- Indeed. _ his soft curls shine as the sun, the lights in the dining room make the bet of his manly beauty.

- Maybe we should follow his lead, don't you agree? Now that the children have retired and the old one is .... Ups! He just passed out. _ a strong noise could be hear as Kavax felt from his chair to the floor, snoring as a thunderous storm.

This is going to be a strange evening alright.