[For her part, Rukia seems okay. She hasn't really brought it up, but that's more because she wouldn't even know how. There's work to be done, and as usual, she remains as busy and productive as ever.]

[Don't think she doesn't suspect Yuri's worried about her, though. Flynn rode over to Esdham with her too, and if Yuri's taking the trip too, well. His concern seems obvious enough, and merited. She won't blame him for taking precautions to prevent the way she'd turned out in that vision.]

[She's got her drawing pad neatly tucked under her arm as she goes to meet Yuri after the meeting. Now that her main objectives have been taken care of, she can relax. Now might be as good a time as any to have a little talk.]

[His insult to her art earns a semi-playful (but semi-serious) glare, and she holds her pad a little more protectively.]

I'm not sure I should be grateful for such a backhanded compliment.

[Her response is dry, but good-humored. If she's sad, it really doesn't show.]

Come. I'll walk you back to your inn. Perhaps if you praise my art, I might be persuaded to ask the innkeeper to give you a military discount.