The slap rang out crisply, and Lasha's eyes narrowed dangerously in the wake of the strike.

Anya's action shocked Nika, rendering him paralyzed for a beat, but he recovered quickly and in the next second he snapped his attention back to Isaev.

He knew that look.

Sure enough, Lasha's hand had curled into a fist and was beginning to cock at his side, his shoulder and arm tightening with kinetic intention.

Nika's motion was obscure and swiftly acquitted in the lapse, quitely stilling Isaev's hand with his own, arresting it at his side.

It was a subtle check of Ilarion's unkind impulse. He hoped Anya didn't catch it.

Lasha was breathing deeply, soundless, leveling his gaze at Nika.

"Anya dorogusha," Nika said quietly, "will you please get me a cup of tea?"

Ilarion smirked faintly.

"...you know how I take it."