The turn of something incredibly close to mischief in Bliss's tone was enough to convince China they really didn't have a reason to worry. While Bliss wasn't exactly a worshipper anymore, he'd retained many of the Church's habits and teachings - namely, his sense of humour being vastly underdeveloped. If he was feeling mischievous over something that could have gone spectacularly wrong at more than one juncture, then everything was better than fine.

"Is there any chance he said yes?" Ravel asked, though he'd clearly resigned himself to the opposite. "There's this great little place actually built out over the harbour. You can see fish swimming under your feet. It's a popular sorcerer spot. Corrival could come with."

China didn't have her own car, nor did she suspect anyone would divert their trip back to the Sanctuary just for her. She sighed. "I suppose I've been diminished to the point where I must follow all of you around, then. No matter. It would probably be a good idea to check on the Host and make sure none of them have turned homicidal yet."

Ravel glanced back at her. "Could that happen?"

"Oh, possibly, under the right circumstances."

"Those circumstances being...?"

"One of you annoys them too much," China answered with a flash of a smile.