Vuvi leads them into the house, past the front hall still buzzing with waiting clients, nobles and commoners alike perched shoulder to shoulder on velvet benches, fanning themselves in the warm, perfumed air, the faint hum of the desk's ledger-charm ticking off names one by one.
The steps up to the desk where Veena shoots bolt upright out of her chair the instant she spots who's trailing behind Vuvi. "W-What are you two doing here?"
Eris takes one look at the mask strapped over Veena's face and bursts out laughing, a rare, genuine sound from someone who usually keeps her amusement locked down tight.
"What, exactly, is with the mask?" Vexena tilts her head, brow furrowing.
"Work hazard..." Veena mutters, refusing to elaborate further.
"I have to go," Vuvi announces, already backing toward the door. "I'm already late. I'm sure you can handle things from here."
Veena's eyes go wide with panic. "Don't you dare abandon me—"
Vuvi's already gone, the door swinging shut behind her.
