A chat about a letter

The sun has set and Volaire is growing silent. All the people who are staying at the tavern are returning to their rooms for the evening. Jade can be seen entering into the tavern and looking around for someone.

She makes her way to the bar and waves down a worker.

"Good evening. Is there a romtovi woman staying here currently? The room would be under the name of Vesta. "  

The barkeep leisurely turns to face Jade. "Well, eh-" He chuckles as he turns. "How much-?"

His eyes widen as he fully faces Jade. "Oh! Baroness! Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am." He clears his throat and nods his head, bowing at the waist repeatedly for a few seconds. "Yes'm. Yes'm. There is a lady by tha' name stayin' 'ere." He straightens and points towards the stairs. "Right up those stairs, ma'am. Third door on the right."

Jade scowls at the man.

"Don't let me catch you being disrespectful to women again."

Jade turns and hurries up the stairs. She arrives at the door and knocks.

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...?”

The barkeep nods. "Yes, ma'am. As you say, ma'am."

When Vesta opens the door a little more and Zukar see's Jade from his spot on the edge of the bed, he smiles and then looks down and clears his throat. 

"Uh. Hello, uh-" He shifts awkwardly for a moment and then stands. He walks over to the writing desk and pulls out the chair. Then points to the bed as well.

"Uh... Have a seat." His gaze shifts to Vesta for a moment and then back to Jade.

 

Jade walks in and looks around. She takes a seat when instructed.

"I hope this isn't too bad of a time."

Jade takes a small breath in and out. She pulls a folded piece of parchment from her satchel.

"I was told you brought this letter. Why did you leave so soon? Does this mean you have access to the manor again?"