The dorm was still quiet, and as she made her way out into the commons, Quinn could see Dahlia was absent again. But indeed Besca was there, sitting at the counter with her tablet to one side, and a bowl of cereal on the other. She’d been here nearly the entire time since Quinn had fallen asleep again, save for a brief aside to take a call on the bridge—she wasn’t about to risk missing [i]another[/i] one after what had happened last time. 

If there was a single, silver lining, it was that relations with Casoban seemed to be on a slowly-smoothing track towards reconciliation. Eusero’s diplomats had allegedly left empty-handed; the recent cycle of talk shows endlessly praising Casobani politicians and culture and celebrities had abruptly stopped. Now the focus was back on Helburke, and recent—likely exaggerated—tensions regarding some oceanic dispute, which would be quickly forgotten the next time a duel came around.

[i]Peace[/i], she told herself. [i]Runa’s survival. That’s what we’re paying for, and dammit, we’re getting a good deal. How many international unions can be bought with one life?[/i]

[i]It’s worth it. It has to be.[/i]

“[color=ffe63d]Morn'ng, Besca...[/color]”

Quinn startled her, but the girl was quiet and as unintimidating as anything. “[color=gray]Oh![/color] she brought and arm around and pulled Quinn into a hug. “[color=gray]Morning to you too. Feelin’ better? Restocked on cereal if you want some.[/color]”

She set her tablet aside and let Quinn go, brushing her hair back. She smiled. “[color=gray]Deelie’s out again, but I told her she [i]has[/i] to be around for dinner tonight, so we’re eating together. Here or out, doesn’t matter—your call.[/color]”