[b][h2][center][color=48D1CC]Henryk[/color][/center][/h2][/b]
[color=48D1CC][i]Looks like I’ll have to get my hands dirty, ‘sppose that’s what you get for making deal with this sort.[/i][/color] The theory of magic wasn’t his strong suit; he’d studied what he could, but wrapping his head around the more abstract stuff was tricky, and there wasn’t even much concrete to go on – mana and its uses were awfully nebulous. That left him as one of the “combat-capable”. [i][color=48D1CC]I just hope you're right Al, otherwise I’m not letting you go. [/color][/i]

A muffled sigh escaped past Henryk’s hand. Alma’s competitive streak was notorious. Never had he known anyone else who thought that eleven minutes was a notable amount of time, but Alma had lorded her miniscule seniority over him since they first learnt to speak. [color=48D1CC][i]Well, now I can’t just blow it off, can I? Great.[/i][/color] He ran a hand through his hair and completed the high-five with his other. His eyes held a further message,[color=48D1CC][i] We’ll win, sister dearest, don’t worry; I’ll do everything I can to make sure you do.
[/i][/color]

The tirade from the willowy man, Lukas he had introduced himself as, made Henryk chuckle slightly. [i][color=48D1CC]Didn’t have him pinned as a religious crazy, but I like the cut of his gib. [/color][/i]

[color=48D1CC]“Maybe we can test that faith of yours sometime?” [/color]Henryk muttered, scratching his chin, [color=48D1CC]“Something tells me you’d made a good drinking buddy.” [/color]

Then it was over. Judith made her exit, quickly followed by the fidgety looking woman that must have been Akyna. [color=48D1CC][i]Guess she’s laser-focussed.[/i][/color] Henryk shrugged. The post-meeting hub-bub began to swell. He got up behind his sister’s chair and leaned on it with both arms. Greece could wait; right now there was a certain victory-hungry missus who needed to be sated.    

[color=48D1CC]“Dear sister,” [/color]he said from behind with a solemn face and monotone register, [color=48D1CC]“Remember it’s just a game, yeah? Don’t get too carried away, this is supposed to bring us all closer.” [/color]

Then he leant in and squished his face next to hers, and a crooked smile cracked his façade, [color=48D1CC]“And besides, we’ll hand ‘em their asses.”[/color] Henryk straightened up again and rested his hands on her shoulders. 

[color=48D1CC]“Hey Alia,”[/color] He said, waving at the girl dressed up like she was a court magician from some Dumas novel.[color=48D1CC][i] Never thought a cape could look so good.[/i][/color]

[color=48D1CC]“Why don’t you talk shop with my sister here,”[/color] He said, pinching Alma’s cheeks, [color=48D1CC]“She doesn’t bite,”[/color] then he winked, [color=48D1CC]“Much.” [/color]

He began walking off, [color=48D1CC]“Al, I’m going to our room to change, knock before coming in, if you do.”[/color] And he made his exit, snatching up his jacket and throwing it over his shoulder.