"Liars," Dista pouted. "You each promised to tell three by three, remember?"

"Can't help it," the lady shrugged lightly. "Enjoyed the tales so far?"

"Well, they are interesting... especially that time at the market. Didn't know Great-Grandfather was that famous--"

Knocks on the door again halted the conversation, and this time it was another boy the same age as Dista. He had jet-black hair from his grandfather, sharp green eyes from his father, and blunt manners from his mother and grandmother.

"Ah, so Lady Leia is here too," the newcomer remarked with slight surprise, immediately saluting her with a slight bow. "Sir Vlos as well. My respects, both of you."

"What do you want, Ishtar?" Dista demanded. "Be quick, I'm listening to some nice tales here."

Ishtar looked up fiercely at his cousin. "So much for being the heir's son. Your comfy tales will have to wait, Dis." He looked at his aunt. "Granddad Mustafa bids you all to attend him in the dining room. Please."

"Already?" Leia stood, her expression serious. "My father must be getting impatient as well. Lead the way, Ish."

***

"What the heck took you two so long?!"

Bellowing such a remark was a vampire widely recognized as Urdin the Third, onetime patriarch of House Hospodia. Age had not softened his no-nonsense speech, nor perceptibly dulled his senses. He had now, however, to be helped to leave and enter his seat. Two servants were kept close for this task, and numerous others.

"A thousand apologies, Father," came the gentle reply. "I was getting myself prepared."

"Prepared, my boots," he snarled. "You're never good at hiding things, Leia, I was told you were mulling over some bygone tales..." his fiery gaze was now fixed on Dista. "Isn't that so, kid?"

"Yes, Great-Grandfather," the child smiled.

Ishtar beside him scowled.

"Crybaby," he muttered.

His cousin nudged him by the shoulder. "I heard that."

"Do forgive my dear grandchildren for considerably delaying the meal, sir," their grandmother appeared behind them, laying a hand on each of their shoulder. "Now if Mustafa himself isn't this tardy..."

Urdin pointed a stiff finger at her. "Careful how you mention my eldest son, Dragoness."

"I believe you still owe Father some explanation, Sora mea," another voice joined. Mustafa the Fourth Husniris of Hospodia calmly made his way in, with two others in tow. These were Kynara and Rashid, his two youngest siblings. "Apologies for the delay, all of you."

"Fratele meu," Leia greeted as he passed her, to his slight nod.

"Nice to see you too, Elder Sis!" Kynara piped in cheerfully.

"You hardly changed, Kyna..."

"Took you long enough, son," up ahead Urdin commented, a tad softer. Mustafa took in his right palm and kissed it in deference.

"Boys, take your seats," their grandmother urged softly.

"Shall we begin with the first course now, Father? Arslan and Kisara are already on their way here, I made sure of that."

"Let me see them here first," Urdin replied, "then we begin. Meantime, Leia, what was it that delayed you and Vlos, hmm?"

"Just the tales of those twin campaigns, Father, cut halfway by Ishtar's arrival."

"Is it, now?" the former patriarch's eyes glimmered with interest as he leaned in. "Go ahead, tell these old-guards the rest, will you?"