The older girl reminded Alexis of people her parents had brought home "for drinks" back when she had been small. She found the placid formality of her words comforting as remembering her parents at all. Besides, it was nearly autonomic how easily she responded in kind.

"I did not expect this at all," she admitted with a most dainty shake of her head. "I'm glad not to be alone. Ah, not to say I'm glad whatever just happened also happened to you, but..."

She took a step forward, and the sound echoed through the lofty vaults.