Oh, great devils below, how do I always end up in this situation?

"Bwahahaha! Then, right as the bastard's about to get back up, I kick him in the knee and BAM! Took his head off as he's falling down." A roar of approval and drinks slamming down onto tables follows up Ryla's story, her face split into a huge grin at the attention. Repositioning the eyepatch over her empty left socket, Ryla raises her hands up in the air to calm everyone down before continuing "A lot of folks will tell ya that the Mad Maiden's what won us that day, but I tells ya now, it was none other than me. That crotchety ol' demon lord Vestix didn't stand a chance."

Though there is a another loud round of cheers at that, it's noticeably quieter than the first, as with all mentions of Lillian Vess, the "Mad Maiden" who finally succeeded in bringing the end of the Battle Eternal. While most of the demons in the room seem content with the story, a few amongst them, along with some of the human paladins, are sulking at the edges of the room, glaring at their counterparts. It's not surprising to know how much enmity still exists between Heaven and Hell, seeing as that massive war ended not even two decades ago, but at least no one's throwing any punches yet.

My contemplation is shattered by Ryla's powerful arm slipping over my shoulders, crushing me to her side. The cheers this time are even quieter, though thankfully it's not from hatred or distrust tonight. Ryla had invited most of her own squad to drinks, and they're all open-minded to the new relationships that exist between demons and humans. No, the only reason they're not cheering is because of jealousy, and their bitter looks at the two of us are, somewhat, in good fun.

I have to turn away from the ones much more obviously taken by envy, though, since I've had very little experience in dealing with humans, let alone paladins, in my life. Not that demon men are any better, but at least it's easier to tell what they're thinking. I know that, even for a succubus, I'm rather attractive, which has caused no small amount of discomfort in Hell with all its lusty demons, but the humans from Earth are even more crazed if that's possible. My head goes down, long black hair falling to cover my face in a gesture that any other demon would accept as a desire to be left alone, but these silly humans seem to consider this act as an invitation.

Ryla, perceptive as ever - though that fact has caused quite a few problems as well - tightens her grip on my shoulder, and while her face remains smiling boldy at her companions, her eye is full of possessive challenge. The small group of paladins whose jealousy remains real back off at that expression, knowing not only how much my paladin companion loves me, but also how hard she can punch.

But as thankful as I am for her actions, Ryla is not much better. After seeing the others have lost their will to bother me, for tonight at least, Ryla's possessiveness is often just a prelude to her lust. While still clutching me close, she leans over to whisper in my ear