"After going through so much and not seeing you for so long, Ripha, maybe Solus needs your support more than your criticism." Elina said.
"You are right." Menadion sighed. "I've always been a demanding parent and old habits die hard."
"After seven hundred years, I'd say they don't die at all." Solus stabbed at her lasagna like they had a long-lasting blood feud.
"Epphy!" Menadion said.
"Solus, dammit!" Solus grunted.
"Lith!" Lith tried to make light of the situation, obtaining only a murderous glare from all those involved.
"I know it's asking much, but would it be possible to take a tour of the tower?" Bytra put herself in the line of fire just to make them stop arguing.
"Which tower?" Baba Yaga asked.
"Menadion's." Bytra shrugged. "No offense, but Bloodhaven is more like a nursery and Silverspire looks like a patchwork put together at the last minute."
"None taken." Baba Yaga and Silverwing lied through their teeth.
"I'm sure they are impressing in their own way." The Raiju did her best to save them some face. "I'm just wondering how much damage I caused to Solus. I feel terrible knowing the tower is in shambles because of me."
"Mom? Lith?" Solus turned to Menadion before answering.
"It's your tower now, dear. Do whatever you want with it." Ripha decided to follow Elina's advice and not boss her daughter around further.
"You know what I think." Lith replied.
"About that, I agree with you." Solus nodded.
"About letting Bytra visit the tower?" Menadion asked.
"No. I mean, yes. I mean also that, but I was referring to our tower's name." Solus scratched her head in embarrassment while giving Ripha a dirt look. "Starforge sounds perfect."
"Since when did you name the tower?" Silverwing asked.
"Since the moment I learned you two named yours." Lith replied. "Yet it wasn't something I could decide on my own. I wanted to discuss it with Solus first but I assume our fusion covered that already."
"Why Starforge?" Bytra tilted her head in confusion.
"Because it allows us to even travel through the stars." Solus said while nervously playing with her star-shaped pendant.
Menadion didn't miss the gesture and sighed deeply.
"Wait what? The stars?" Zoreth pointed at the sky.
"The moon, to be precise but the point still stands." Lith shrugged.
'I really want to ask him to give me a demonstration but it feels like overstepping my boundaries.' The Shadow Dragon burned with curiosity but ended up holding it in.
"So, it's a yes?" Bytra asked, quivering with excitement.
"Correct, but I'm not going anywhere until I'm done eating." Solus replied, throwing a warning glare at Menadion before moving to the dessert table.
"I never understood all the fuss about ice cream." Ripha switched to a softer approach. "It's just sugared cold milk."
"Try it before judging." Solus handed her mother a small bowl of vanilla and chocolate ice cream.
Ripha took a tentative spoonful that left her in stunned awe.
"Gods, it's delicious." She looked at Lith with admiration before remembering he carried the knowledge of another world.
It was one of the many things they would have to talk about but it had to wait.
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