She almost turned back twice.
Once at the bend where the carpet changed color, deep wine to a softer ash-blue, and once more when the corridor grew quieter. Verona slowed anyway near Elric's study.
She clasped her hands behind her back. Then release them. Then tucked one into her sleeve like a child afraid she'd fidget too much.
The door opened before she could knock.
"Oh…!" She startled, stepping back half a pace, only to find herself staring up at a man with neatly tied hair, sharp eyes softened by mild surprise, and an armful of parchment balanced like it might collapse at any moment.
"Ah." He recovered faster than she did. "Lady Verona."
She blinked once. Then smiled, polite but not stiff. "It's… Rion, right?"
