Ridahne had wondered why Darin was so hesitant about stripping her clothes in front of her. Was it a human custom not to? She had heard something about nakedness in human culture, and how it could in some contexts be a very big deal. Like if a man saw a woman naked who was not his wife, humans found that very bad. It was not necessarily encouraged in Azurei, but it was not uncommon for female messengers or other servants to enter the men's side of the baths or vice versa, and it was inconsequential for both parties. Privacy was good, but there was nothing to be ashamed about the body. Maybe that wasn't the case in human lands?

But then it started to click as Darin followed her, clothed, into the baths. If she had no clothes, there would be nowhere to hide the Seed, and Darin would never leave it behind. Of course. Ridahne couldn't believe she didn't think of it sooner. "Nonsense! I know the stable is a place of comfort for you, but in a way, this is--was--is? my house. And my most honored guest deserves good lodgings. I'm sure they gave us lodging on the second floor--I'll see to it a bath is drawn up for you there. It'll be more ordinary, but there will still be nice soap and it will be private." Ridahne was not going to put into words why that was important, but her eyes were knowing and understanding. "Besides, if you thought road dust was bad, you haven't experienced southern Azurei dust. It's everywhere. Here, you get clean when you can, so I'd take the opportunity. As for sleeping quarters, I'd thought about spending the night in the barracks myself, actually." 
Ajoran snorted from the other side of the divider. "You mean to tell me you've been given private rooms by the Sols and you wanna come sleep with the rest of us rabble?"
"That rabble is my people as much as it is yours, Ajoran," she teased. "I wouldn't mind seeing Eija Salei again, and a few others if they...ah...if they haven't totally written me off as a murderer. I...did...kill one of their own. For good reason or no, that can be hard to deal with." The warrior shrugged it off. "Those barracks feel more like home to me than fancy guest rooms. You're welcome to join us, Darin. And," she added with a small chuckle, "It's probably the safest place in all of Astra. I'd like to watch the Red Hand come at either of us in a room full of Eija and Taja." 

Ridahne took a breath, steadying herself. It wasn't the promise that set her on edge; she really wanted Darin there. But it was the reminder of the event itself, of the one last demon she had yet to confront. She was both rearing to go and wishing she could avoid it at the same time. Her stomach twisted a little at the thought, but she dipped her head in a solemn nod. "Aye, I promise. I want the both of you there with me. Let's go just before sunrise, and we'll get breakfast after." She didn't think she could even eat breakfast beforehand. Maybe she wouldn't be able to after, either. Ridahne really had no idea how that was going to go, because from minute to minute, she felt some different mix of indifference, searing rage, grief, bitterness, relief, and peace.