Jade's meeting with Vesta

Jade takes a seat in her office in the Volaire Seshtau embassy and waits.

Vesta arrives with Zukar in tow, dressed in her usual attire, though her hair has been pulled back. She pauses at the door, waiting to be let in. Once granted entry, her gaze flicks over her shoulder towards Kumara, a flash of mild disgust crossing her features before she smooths it away.

She mutters something under her breath in the Ramtovi tongue, shaking off her distaste of the creature. She turns her attention to Jade.

“Good afternoon, Baroness.”

She dips into a quick curtsy, an easy smile spreading across her face as she greets her friend. She takes a seat and gently tugs Zukar along beside her.

“Sorry I haven’t checked in since the Amphitheater. How are you, Jade?” She hesitates, then adds, “Is Julien awake?”

As the pair walks in Jade orders Kumara to stand gaurd outside. The flesh golem leaves the room and closes the door behind itself. As soon as the door is closed Jade raises the ward.

"Thank you for asking. Julien is awake and doing well. He has been helping with the war efforts and is opening an adventurer's guild on the side. I am fine... Well, as much as I can be. How are you two? And your sister as well? Has she woken also?"

Vesta breathes a sigh of relief, her face brightening with a warm smile.

“That’s a relief. I’m so glad he’s awake.” A soft laugh escapes her. “Perhaps we can all have tea together soon. I’ve been meaning to visit Roman and Calliope as well.”

She shakes her head.

“I don’t know if Raissa is awake.” She gives a small shrug. “To be honest with you, I don’t particularly care. I haven’t heard from Gran.”

She intertwines her fingers with Zukar’s, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. Her expression falls a bit, and though she still smiles, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“We’re doing better than we were, now that the famine is over. But…” She pauses, letting out a slow breath. “I’m tired, Jade. Ending the famine took more out of me than I can say.”

Her eyes drift to Zukar before returning to Jade.

“I think I need to step away for a little while. We’ve been talking about spending a few months at Virelya’s grove, if she allows it.”

She thinks for a moment.

“I don’t know if I could even get the vardo there, but regardless, I need to get away. Somewhere I can recover from these past two years.”

She exhales slowly, absently brushing her thumb across the back of Zukar’s hand.

“I want to finish my book. Spend time with Zukar. I’d like to get to know Virelya better, and rebuild her shrine. Learn the old songs and stories…” She trails off for a moment before adding softly, “I want a little while where my mind isn’t trying to tear itself apart.”

Her shoulders sag slightly.

“I know the war is still going on, and I feel guilty leaving you to it.” She sighs. “But if I’m honest, I don’t think I’d be much use to anyone like this. I gave most of my life force to Virelya.”

She offers Jade an apologetic smile.

“I hope you won’t think less of me if I disappear for a few months. I’d still love for you to visit.” She smiles a little more warmly. “And I hope you’ll still write to me.”

"Of course I will visit and write to you. You are my best friend."

Jade smiles but it fades quickly.

"To be honest... I think its best for you to continue with your plans."

Jade reaches in a drawer in her desk and pulls out a folded familiar piece of paper and places it on the desk.

"I am sure you know what this is. It's why I've asked you to come today."

She pauses and looks down at the paper. Though she tries to hide it you can see the worry on her face.

"Jedash came to me recently with this."

Vesta raises an eyebrow as she reaches for the paper, unfolding it. Her eyes skim the page before she folds it again and sets it back on the desk.

“You said Jedash came to you?” She tilts her head. “Why?”