If Valdis is paying attention, she might notice that Rutile’s appearance has changed from the last time they met in person. On that bright sunny day Rutile’s hair had been a lovely carmine juxtaposed with gold; now both have darkened and lost their luster, taking on unsaturated hues that only recall what they once were.

But, that could just be the light.

Rutile’s eyes narrow a hair’s breadth when Valdis laughs at them. If t is what they get for trying -

“On the contrary,” Rutile says with a cold smile, gloved hands settling on their hips. “I would say that the sharpest minds are adept at many things, including small pleasantries. What good is your work, after all, if you can’t communicate it effectively?

“But,” they go on, with a flourish of their hand, “if you feel your book is more worth your time, I will leave you to it.” And they almost do: they take another step forward, ready to continue on their way. They have an appointment, after all.