The gemstones tumbled across the orange-red mosaic, spots of green among the tones more suited to a wasteland than a Tier-Dweller’s home.

Wednesday’s got it right. A death stare’s so much better than a clenched-teeth smile. I’d rather be a stubborn stump dug deep than a willow bent and squashed beneath their feet.

Thankfully my landing appears prepared, my graceful roll – all muscle memory – bringing me up beside Merigold. She beams, unsurprised

The show begins with a flash of blinding light as Merigold ascends the stage. She’s a vision, her presence commanding a level of attention I usually reserve for assassins and accountants.

An electric chill enters the air, both energizing and dreadful. Rach spins but doesn’t pull her sword. “Rachalynn.” The voice is as seductive as a warm chocolate brownie.

Hours later, we're sitting in a balcony box dressed in our best. Rach stands by the velvet drapes, dressed in black silk, her hands clamped on the railing.

I grin, inhaling the citrus-scented breeze that eternally blows through Skathagrat. An attack by glitter-spewing slimes provided a welcome diversion along the road

Scorched and bloodied, Erd twists his head sideways and flashes his brightest smile. “Ladies! We can work this out, yes?” He grunts as Rach’s foot stomps down on his back.