Vesta walks Jade to the embassy

Jade smiles, but it hides a touch of hesitation.

"There is just so much to be done. Between the war to the east and the war with the planes... And now the shroud is at our doorstep. If I don't stay vigilant, then everything could collapse in."

Jade clasps her hands in her lap and looks down on them.

"There is no time for personal things at this moment for someone like me. If I did then people could use it against me. I mean, look at guild master Miquella. He has become a recluse because everything he has done has been twisted and used against him."

The worry is visible on her face and heavy in her words as she speaks.

Vesta scoffs.

“Baroness. You could never be compared to Guildmaster Miquella. I’ve only met him a handful of times and he’s almost as arrogant as… Anyway, did you know he hasn’t even checked to see if E’ni’cala is alive? After she turned to dust in front of us? He hasn’t said a word to her, and that’s his own guild member.” Vesta looks to Jade with a serious expression. “I dislike darkness very much, I’m learning to not hate it, but I don’t think the dislike will ever go away. But I like you, Baroness. You are a good darkness, you care about people’s thoughts and feelings. You are more concerned for the people than you are your own health. If anyone ever looked down on you, I would have choice words to say.”

She leans back and sighs.

“At least take today? Go show Sir Roman here your favorite spots in Seshtau. Have a drink, go dance in the swamps, bathe in the blood of the unborn or whatever it is you do in Seshtau. The world isn’t going to fall apart in a day, and if it does, then we wouldn’t have stood a chance anyway.”

Roman immediately shakes his head at Vesta when she calls him "sir" Roman.

"I am no knight, Miss Vesta." He chuckles. "I've never even considered being a knight. I'd never be able to hold a strict code like that." He turns his attention back to Jade and smiles. "I think Miss Vesta has a great idea. I'd love to spend the day with you, Baroness. I've been so deep in my studies and you've been so busy with saving the world... I'd love to spend some time with you." There is hope clear on his face.

Vesta watches Roman as he speaks to Jade, then the corners of her mouth twitch into a knowing smile. She turns back to Jade.

"You simply must. Or I will have no choice but to continue my quest to 'dig into your personal life', sitting by the comfort of my vardo, next to the tavern, in the middle of town."

She grins.

"Roman is being such a gentleman here, offering his time to spend it with you. Isn't he just the sweetest? You can't say no to that face."

Jade rests her forehead in her hand with her elbow on the arm of the chair as she thinks it over. As Vesta mentions digging into her personal life in public she shoots out of her chair in a slight panic.

"Absolutely not!"

She takes a moment to collect herself and straightens her dress.

"Alright we can take today as a rest day, but today only. I have far too much on my plate to be gallivanting around."

Jade closes her eyes and groans in frustration at the thought. She opens her eyes and places her hands on her hips.

"Vesta will you be joining us as well? I know you would love to tell all your 'findings' to Roman so you can embarrass me."

"Oh nooo, I am far, far too busy. Plus the idea of stomping through a swamp disgusts me. So I will pass on that. But you two enjoy yourselves! Try to relax, will you?"

Vesta stands up with a smile and heads for the door, leaning to whisper into Roman's ear as she passes him.

"You're welcome. And you'll have to tell her, she's a bit oblivious to love, I'm afraid."