[ His voice shouldn't be familiar to her -- not after one previous meeting -- but she recognizes it as she's looking down into her cup, wondering just what it is she's drinking. Her head snaps up and she grins wide on seeing him again. There's something about this man that puts her at ease. Perhaps it's the way he speaks, or his calm demeanor. She's had no occasion to see him in any other state. ]

Gjurd! Hello!

[ She realizes she sounds as though she's already drunk, but it's really just her excitement in seeing him again. He's someone to speak of spirits with. And more that simply that, of course. Her smile turns slightly embarrassed and she lowers her eyes. ]

I wish I could say quite well, but it would be a lie. There has been more death in my life since I last saw you. I hope it will be the last for some time. But what of yourself?