Rutile passes by only moments after Valdis has settled on the bench, their heels echoing off the wooden floors. They recognize Valdis in a flash of dismay: here is the person who was so disagreeable on the network several weeks ago, in the same place as Rutile as if dictated by fate.

Rutile would really rather it was anyone else; still, with the conversation with Padparadscha fresh on their mind, they swallow their pride and resolve to be civil. They both have to live here, after all - may as well attempt to be nice.

"I really wish this weather would just chill."

"It can be as chilly as it wants, so long as it stops being so wet," Rutile says neutrally, and then throws in an over-exaggeration - some humor, to lighten the mood. "I think I will melt if this continues."

The weather is a safe topic, right?