Grimm Afelnor, Mage Questor of the Fifth Rank and Baron of Crar, sat at ease in a red leather divan in his well-lit day-room. With his beloved Drexelica at his side, he felt at peace. The early morning sun cast warm, golden rays that made the room's mahogany panelling glow with rich hues, and the costly rug upon the floor shone in all its colourful grandeur. This was Grimm's last day in Crar before he must return to Arnor House, and he felt determined to savour every moment of it. Could anything be better than this?

Grimm took Drexelica in his arms and kissed her. She returned the embrace with warm passion, and he lost himself in her deep, blue eyes until interrupted by a sharp rap at the chamber door.

"I won't be a moment, Drex," he whispered into her ear. "It's probably just some Council official after the latest grain production figures."

Extricating himself from Drex's entwining arms with great reluctance, he opened the door. A towering grey-green apparition stood before him, exposing a mouthful of fangs like carving knives, and a wide-eyed Drexelica gasped.

"It's all right, Drex, it's just my good friend and Seneschal, Shakkar," Grimm called over his shoulder, turning back to the mighty demon and extending his hand. "Shakkar, my friend, it's good to be able to spend a little time with you at last."

The demon reached out to grasp the human's right wrist. Grimm tried to copy his friend, but his hand barely reached half-way around the oversized, muscular limb.

"I feel the same, Lord Baron." The demon's basso profundis rumble shook the room. "It has been a long time since we were last able to talk in such an intimate manner."