Jacob took Nicola's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Its a pleasure to meet you, Nicola. Our glorious leaders came back thoroughly whipped from that fight. It was hilarious, even if most people didn't dare laugh at them to their faces." Jacob's grin widened. "[I]Most[/I] people."

"Oh, oh, oh, let me try!" Victoria popped up, having been distracted from her imminent entertainment momentarily by the chance at shiney new toys of death. She wrapped her hand around the hilt of the fire sword.