When Jade approaches the room, the low murmur of two voices chatting in the Ramtovi tongue can be heard behind the door. The moment she knocks, the conversation cuts off. There’s a brief shuffle of footsteps before the door opens.

Vesta stands there, dressed down from her usual finery. Her hair is swept up into a loose bun, with a few strands framing her face. For a second, she looks caught off guard.

“Who-?” 

Recognition hits. Surprise and unease flash openly across her features, but she smooths it over almost immediately. She steps aside, her lips curving into a polite smile.

“Hello, Baroness,” she says, her voice warm but measured. “I wasn’t expecting you to stop by.”

She opens the door wider in invitation, retreating a step into the room. Behind her, Zukar sits on the bed, and Vesta gestures lightly inward.

“Would you like to come in...?”

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