Jovis and Noir stared at each other for a long time, neither backing down. Finally, Solis stepped in and tugged Noir close to him.
Jovis chuckled and helped himself to a strawberry from a nearby fruit-platter.
"It's good to see both of you getting along so well," Jovis told them. "In fact, it makes things easier for me now."
Solis and Noir frowned.
"What do you mean?" Solis asked.
Jovis picked up another strawberry. "These are nice," he murmured. "Did you grow them in your own garden?"
"Yes," Noir said. "I'll give you a basket when you leave."
Jovis burst out laughing. "Are you bribing me into leaving?" he asked.
Noir didn't deny it.
