The Bone City did not sleep after the fleet retreated.
Banners of every allied colour hung from the white towers and the dark glass bridges. Living-bone constructs walked the streets with ceremonial rather than combat posture. Ships of different designs filled the harbour in open display of the forces that had stood together on the shifting sea. The independent powers that had answered the gathering call remained in the city, and the celebrations that followed the victory lasted three full days and nights.
The political part happened in the high halls and open terraces. Agreements were confirmed. Losses were counted. New commitments were spoken in front of witnesses so that no faction could later claim misunderstanding. Lady Sable, Lian, Mei, and Rhea handled most of those conversations with the precision of people who understood that a victory only mattered if it became structure afterward.
