- Hey you two, enough! Family dinner, and you're still busy with your swords! - the woman shouted loudly at the men in the other part of the room, while setting up dishes and adding butter to some snacks.
The clashing of swords and sparks were accompanied by sighs and almost theatrical chuckles.
- Wait a second, Teia, this old man here, - Rook stopped, taking two steps away from his mentor, changing his stance, - old, yes, let him creak a little more, and we'll come!
- Watch your tongue, youngman, and your feet, your left leg is crooked again.
The man lunged forward after his remark, proving his criticism with action, forcing the young De Riva to quickly dodge to avoid losing.
The woman glared, almost setting them both on fire with her indignation. The cat-like narrowed eyes were looking for who to throw the plate at first.
- Leave them, you see, they're making up for time with each other. - another guest, already sitting at the table, grinned, lighting a pipe.
- In my opinion, as always they are like two babuinos jumping around the living room. - Teia pushed back her hair, preventing her from observing the picture, and continued to cut another snack.
- What did I say? They're just missing each other.
Teia glared at the seated man, then at the duo of men who were still fighting in the distance. It was less of a duel and more of a game of tag with fencing.
- If you two don't return to the table right now, I swear I'll feed this paella to the more grateful birds outside, and Morian will be the only one to receive dessert! At least he set the plates! Hey. Stop sprinkling ashes on Katerina's tablecloth!
For a split second, the woman's attention, fortunately for the rest of the De Riva family, shifted to the now-unwelcome smoking crow, who was busy dodging the flailing towel and had no chance to escape.
Watching from the sidelines, Sailos and Viago shared a chuckle. Their swords clashed for the last time.
- So be it, I'll stop tormenting you, master. Otherwise, your back will be sore before the meal...
Viago raised his eyebrows, feeling the provocation that was so familiar in their interactions, causing his lips to curve upward against his wish to stay grumpy.
- Don't think that dinner will save you from a proper sparring match. It's disgusting to see your sloppy technique. However... we should really get to the table.
Rook grinned, playfully sheathing his sword:
- We can't let Morian get all the peach tart, can we? Although I think Teia is in the mood to put him on a diet...
Both men twitched at the sound of the towel slapping someone's back. They quickly put any thoughts of retaliation aside.
It's best not to anger the De Riva family's hostess during family dinners, even if it's an impossible mission.