KARANTHIR:

What have we here? My dear brother Fin with my ex-lover.

Oops sorry, allow me to correct myself, our ex-lover.

SHICHI:

Hi Karanthir, I see you're in one of your snarky moods today.

KARANTHIR:

Moi? Honestly, I don't know what you mean. I will admit, I continue

to have a difficult time picturing it.

FIN:

Picturing what?

KARANTHIR:

You with him, together. Then again, all our lives you led me

to believe that only those of the female persuasion were 

of interest to you. This will take some getting used to ...

KARANTHIR:

... Wouldn't you think so, 'Chi?

SHICHI:

No, I think it just kills you that you didn't know about it, till now. You, 

who pride yourself on thinking you know everything about everyone.

KARANTHIR:

Not everybody, but certainly my dear brother Fin. So tell me ...

FIN:

Oh boy ...

KARANTHIR:

Did Fin lure you in, or was it you who chased after him?

- When you weren't with me, that is.

SHICHI:

I don't remember. It only happened once.

KARANTHIR:

Oh yes that's right. Once. And I'm sure he told you you were

his first, excluding all the women he's ... enjoyed, of course.

FIN:

Karanthir stop.

SHICHI:

He may have said something like that.

KARANTHIR:

And you believed him?

SHICHI:

I think so. Yes. I did.

KARANTHIR:

Did I tell you that?

SHICHI:

That I was your first? Ha - no I don’t think so. Even if you did,

I wouldn’t have believed you.

KARANTHIR:

Well that’s not fair.

KARANTHIR:

… I do have one question Fin. Did you do him before you 

walked in on 'Chi and me, or after?

FIN:

This discussion is over.

KARANTHIR:

Oh I don't think so ...

KARANTHIR:

'Chi, we have two younger brothers ...

SHICHI:

Yeah, I've met them, Brynie and Orrie. So what?

KARANTHIR:

Just for the record, they’re completely off-limits to you.

SHICHI:

On come on, they’re both children. What do you take me for?

KARANTHIR:

They won’t be children forever and it’s obvious to me

that you simply can't resist the charms of my family.

SHICHI:

I can resist.

KARANTHIR:

You think so? Well, your history contradicts you.

FIN:

Karanthir does have a point.

SHICHI:

You're both being ridiculous.

FIN:

Keep you hands off my little brothers.

SHICHI:

I have no intention of ...

FIN:

I mean it.

SHICHI:

Fine. You have my word.

KARANTHIR:

I suppose they're safe for the time being. After all, Shichi's presently involved.

FIN:

Really? Do I know him?

SHICHI:

Karanthir I'd rather not share this right now ...

KARANTHIR:

He's a she.

FIN:

No kidding.

KARANTHIR:

- And furthermore, she’s our very own Chinatsu.

FIN:

Chinatsu?

SHICHI:

I said I'm wasn't ready to go public with this ...

KARANTHIR:

Stunned aren’t you? You didn’t think our boy could pull that off.

FIN:

Well, she’s so ...

KARATHIR:

Isn’t she though?

SHICHI:

The two of you can just go to hell.

KARANTHIR:

I'm sorry, did you say something 'Chi?

FIN:

I'm happy for you Shichi, really. How long has this been going on?

KARANTHIR:

I believe it’s been two nights.

SHICHI:

Will you shut up!

KARANTHIR:

Is something wrong? I don't see why you should be so upset.

After all, I only speak the truth.

SHICHI:

Yes on those rare occasions when it suits you.

KARANTHIR:

That wasn't a very nice thing to say. I'm only enjoying a friendly

little chat with my brother. One would think you'd be in a better mood

considering how much easier your life has become, since yesterday.

KARANTHIR:

... When Auntie Thyssa left us.

SHICHI:

Oh yeah, that reminds me, where’s Phae?

KARANTHIR:

She’s with my prince.

SHICHI:

They're alone, together? Where?

KARANTHIR:

Out somewhere. It’s not my place to pry.

FIN:

Since when?

SHICHI:

But, we’re their chaperones. I can't have them alone together, 

without an escort. If something happens - Thyssa will 

come back and skin me alive.

KARANTHIR:

Really 'Chi, you must learn to relax. She's gone. 

Ding dong the witch is dead.

SHICHI:

I'm responsible for Phae and I can't let anything happen to her.

KARANTHIR:

My, you’ve turned into such a mother hen. Miss Phae is

quite safe with Zyfan. Isn't she Fin?

FIN:

He's right. There's no need to worry. He'll protect her from harm.

SHICHI:

And who will protect her from him?

FIN:

She doesn't need protecting from him. Don't you know …?

SHICHI:

Know what?

FIN:

Well, he ...

SHICHI:

What?

KARANTHIR:

You can say it Fin. 'Chi knows Zyfan and I sleep together.

SHICHI:

Yeah, so? That's our way. We elves like variety.

FIN:

Zyfan doesn't. He's only into Karanthir. I can't believe you haven't noticed.

SHICHI:

I've noticed, but I just thought he also - you mean? ... I have to tell Phae.

KARANTHIR:

That won't be necessary.

SHICHI:

Yes it is. She needs to know what she's getting into. 

KARANTHIR:

My prince is an honorable fellow, he'll tell her. Just let it be.

FIN:

Karanthir's right, I promise.

SHICHI:

OK, I won't mention it, but I won’t  lie to her either. 

If she suspects, and comes to me …

KARANTHIR:

It won’t come to that. She’s so starry-eyed about him, it’ll never occur to her that he only swings one way.