"Can we skip past the melodrama?" August asked, arms folded. "We all know why you're here, and what we want. It's not like you have anywhere better to be."
Sen's eyes transformed into dinner plates. Ifrit turned his head and glared at August, his eyes narrowing.
"Must you ruin one of my few guilty pleasures?" Ifrit said, crossing his arms. They were thick enough to imitate tree trunks. "The summoning is an important moment for me to impress upon people my power."
"Sure, but we kind of already know about your power. I wouldn't have summoned you if I didn't," August said.
"You're not one for parties, are you?" Ifrit asked. The booming timbre of his voice had settled and now made him sound like a grumbling old man. "I've half a mind to leave and make you respect the next djinni you summon."
"Really? Leave, go back, and do what? Play cards for the next several decades in the spirit world?" August taunted.
"I have some wonderful friends. It's not so bad."
