Rutile nods back to Antarcticite's bow. It is far more comforting than they could ever have thought, falling back into this easy rhythm of junior and senior and all the customs that accompany it. It is with an ache that they realize how much they've missed these little rituals, and how welcome, if bittersweet, Antarcticite's presence is to them.

"About what has happened back home, since I was taken."

Good feeling's gone.

Rutile's expression remains remarkably neutral as they promise, "Of course. We'll talk about it soon." Then they wave their hand, shooing Antarc off to the Bridge. "You run along and find Padparadscha and the staff members."

They wait until Antarc is gone before their true feelings emerge. Rutile had not spoken to them since before they paired up with Phos that fateful winter, but if Phos's reactions were anything to go by, the two of them had been close. First partnerships were always so hard; harder, when they ended with pieces scattered in the wind. Antarcticite cannot be allowed to know of Phosphophyllite's betrayal, Rutile resolves.

They slip their yimo out of their pocket, and begin composing a message to Padparadscha.