Northern stepped through the entrance, his gait unhurried as he joined her. The moment his footsteps reached her ears, she turned. Seeing him, she moved without thinking—instinct taking over as she threw her arms around his shoulders.
"Rian! Oh, thank the stars, I've been so worried about you."
Northern frowned slightly, disentangling himself from her hold.
"You…" He started, voice edged with something sharp, but then exhaled, reigning it in. His tone evened out.
"Who should be worried about who? You're in no position to be worrying about me."
Roma chuckled lightly.
"I'm sorry. I've been awake for a while, and Lady Rita told me things here were far worse than what we went through coming here. She also mentioned that you've been really helpful."
Northern tilted his head, arms folding.
"Lady Rita?"
"Oh! That's right, you don't know her name. The spearwoman who defended us at the bridge before you arrived."
He nodded.
"Oh. I see…"
