Zara's brother was waiting in the above-ground building, dressed in a flowery shirt, too-tight jeans, and a coat. I paused at the sight, and frowned, leaning into Zara. “What the hell is he wearing?”

“Don’t know, don’t care,” she said. “It could be worse. At least, he’s not wearing a suit, or a traditional elf wear, even if there was an illusion, I wouldn't want to look at it all day.”

“Sister.” He held his arms out, but Zara just stared at him. He didn't seem deterred, instead turning to me and offering a hand. “And you are?”

“Richard, but you can call me Rick,” I said, shaking his hands. His grip was firm, but his palms were sweaty, and his eyes were slightly tight.

He’s nervous.

“Well, I’m Abir, but you can call me Kai. Good to meet you.” He turned to Zara. “Shall we be off?”

She nodded and moved to wrap an arm around one of mine. “Rick here will be joining us. You don't mind, do you?”

Before he could reason, Zara was ushering me out the door, clearly expiring him to follow which he did, looking more nervous than before. “Are you sure, sister? I was hoping we could be…” He didn't finish the sentence. “Nevermind. Where are we going?”

“A bar,” she said, not glancing back. “A favorite of mine, a problem with that.”

“No, but what is a bar?”

This time she did look back. “You’re joking?”

“No, why would I jest?” He seemed confused. “I’m not familiar with…. Bar.”

“It’s like a tavern,” she said, and Kai nodded, an ‘oh’ expression appearing. “Ah, I see. Well, I’ve never been to a tavern, but I look forward to it.”

“Sure,” she said, and as we walked to one of the cars, I leaned in. “Is it a mask?”

“Hm?”

“The act, the nervousness, is it an act?” It had to be as Zara was acting very icy, and I couldn't think of why she would be doing so if he wasnt acting. Then again, her relationship with her elven family was bad, but she had never met Kai, and had said he was here on her mom's behalf.

“No, he’s not.”

I faltered, and Zara shot me a sidelong look. “What is it?”

“Nothing, just… you’re acting a bit… ice queen.”

“Ice queen?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Cold, it’s unusual for you, especially if he’s not acting.”

We made it to the car as Zara frowned. We entered, and I told the orc driver the address. I remembered the place. We sped away from the house, and I shot looks from Kai to Zara who still seemed to be thinking about my words. I hadn't met to cause her any trouble, but it was very unlike her to be so cold. She always seemed so understanding, even in situations where most others would certainly not be.

Nobody spoke throughout the drive, though Kai opened his mouth as if to say something several times, but each time nothing came out. It didn't take long to arrive, and I opened the door for Zara, who seemed more focused now like she’d decided something. “Rick… Thanks.”

“Huh? For what?”

“Just…” She trailed off and smiled. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“Alright,” I said as we walked into The Witch’s Way. It was in the afternoon, and quite busy, though there was still plenty of space, and we found a table in the corner. Kai’s eyes were wide, and he looked about from person to person.

Is he sheltered?

A waiter walked over, and smiled wide when he spotted Zara. “Z, back again so soon?” He held a hand to his heart. “Did you miss me that much?”

Zara rolled her eyes. “No, Hector.”

“Well, no matter, what can I…” His words trailed off as he looked at Kai. “Oh, hello, is… Z, is this…?”

“Hald brother,” she said, and Hector's eyes widened. He cleared his voice. “What can I get for you?”

Zara stared at him, then snorted. I let her order for me, and Kai did the same, still looking around. “So many different kinds.” His voice was full of awe.

“Not much diversity where you’re from?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Mostly elves, and we get a lot of mages, and even some spirits with physical form, but that's it.”

“The desert court is not… a place for outsiders,” Zara said, her voice tinged with distaste. “They look down on most anybody who isn't an elf, and even then, they look down on other kinds of elf.”

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Kai slowly nodded at that and shifted in his seat. “That is… true, but I’m not like that.”

“Good,” I said not wanting an awkward silence to form. “That—” My words were cut off as a chair slammed next to me, and I jumped. I looked up and met gazes with an elf. A dusky-skinned elf in shorts, a tank top, and a beaming smile on her face.

“Jade?”

“Sister?”

I looked at Kai and Zara who both looked shocked. I looked from them to her and immediately noticed the similarity. This was another one of Zara’s siblings, and she was here. I was immediately on high alert and scanned the room, but I found no other elves like her. Even so, I readied my mana.

“What are you doing here, sister?” Kai asked his voice something other than nervous for once.

“I was nearby, and wandered in,” she said innonccently as she glanced at me. “I saw you and thought I’d come over and say hello. You don’t mind one other person do you?” Before he could answer, Zara did. “No, we don’t.” Her shock had faded, though Kai looked annoyed. “Fine, but why?”

“Why what? Why was I here? I wanted to see the city. It’s not my fault you chose this bar.”

Kai stared at her for a long time, looking like he wanted to say something, but his shoulder slumped, and he let it go. Jade smiled and turned to me. “I’m Jade, a pleasure to meet you.”

I shook her hand. “Rick.”

She leaned in. “You can let go of your magic. I’m not here to cause trouble.” It was a whisper but I knew Zara and Kai could probably hear.

“And you are Zara,” Jade said, turning and nodding at Zara. “I don’t know if you remember, but we have met, over a video call.”

“I remember,” Zara said, looking amused. Jade blushed a little. “Yes, well, I’m glad we could meet here. I’ve always wanted to meet my other sister in person.”

“I’ll go add another for her,” I said, getting up. I walked over to the front and told them to add a fourth to our order. As I did, I spotted a familiar face through a back door. “Ashely?”

The witch turned to me, and a frown crossed her face as she tried to remember who I was. When she did, she walked over. “Zara’s friend, Rick right? Back again for another date.” She looked over my shoulder, and her eyes widened. “Well, well, that’s… unexpected. Are they her…”

“Half siblings,” I said, glancing back. Jade and Zara seemed to be talking amicably while Kair seemed to add something every now and then. It was clear he was trying to get into the conversation, and different from just an hour ago, Zara seemed to help him in that endeavor.

Ashley whistles. “Three royal elves, never thought I’d see that here, and you’re with them?”

“Zara wanted me along,” I said. “Not that I think she needs me. It looks like she’d got things in hand.”

“She’s good with people, the whole empath things.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Well, good talk, but I’ve got things to do, and you should get back, I’ll make sure you good get out pronto.”

I thanked her and headed back.

“I prefer lighting,” Jade said as I took a seat. “It’s far better than fire when against single targets, both capable of stunning, and doing serious damage depending on the potency. Also, chain lightning is a classic spell.” Jade caught my eye. “How about you Rick, Zara tells me you’re a sorcerer, and with good skill. What do you prefer, fire or lighting.”

I smiled. “I’m more of a force type of guy.”

****

An hour later, our food was devoured, and we were on our way home. Things had gone smoothly after the initial awkwardness, and even Kai had grown less nervous. At one point he’d even mustered up the courage to talk to a woman at the bar who had found him interesting. It wasnt a shock since he was handsome, though more boyish charm than manly chad. He was just barely over eighteen and if he was human he wouldn't have been allowed to drink, but as an elf, normal alcohol was fine, though he said he preferred wine.

Jade was by far more fun to talk to out of the two of them. She seemed easygoing and was interested in a lot of things. We spoke about magic, and the city, and she even told me a bit about the desert courts, and Eygpt. She left out any mention of her family or politics which Zara seemed to appreciate. One interesting thing was the talk about the different courts from the jade court to the ruby and sapphire court. She was of the jade and ruby court, while Zara was just of the ruby court. Which meant Zara’s mother was from the ruby court, and her stepfather was from the jade court.

One thing I noticed throughout our time in the bar was that Jade kept a close eye on Kai. I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't been paying attention, which I had only done because I was worried. Not because she was beautiful, and dressed far more… loosely than anybody else at the bar. Not that she seemed to care. The first guy who hit on her was rejected, though somehow she did it so smoothly that he left without embarrassment.

As I leaned back in my seat, Zara’s head on my shoulder, I spotted Kai looking from Jade to Zara. The car we had taken wasn’t the usual four-wheeler. It was more like the larger taxis. A front, then back with seats facing each other. I was next to Zara, who was next to Jade, oddly enough. Kai had tried to sit there, but Jade had gently pushed him out of the way.

He really seemed to want to get to know Zara, and I sort of felt sorry for him. He was friendly and innocent, too innocent and naive. If left alone in the city, I don't think he’d last long without getting into trouble. Especially not in the Downtown area.

The car drove on smoothly, and I smiled. Though it had only been a little under two hours, this had really helped ease some of my tension, and in the end, it was clear Zara had enjoyed it. If only Han had also been there. It wouldn't be a surprise if Jade knew about alchemy as well.

After this is all over, we’ll go again. I hope.