Aw, hugs. Inessa smiles warmly as Garahel nuzzles Christine, tail wagging excitedly. He didn't do it for the attention, of course, but it's a very nice bonus. Mabari are affection-sponges like that.

Glancing around the area as Christine steps past the doorway, Inessa ushers Garahel out ahead of her before doing the same. Glancing at the shattered door, she sighs and shakes her head. "I don't blame you in the slightest, Christine. These circumstances are...far from ideal, from any point of view. Enduring it has taken a toll on everyone, that much I have seen. Why don't we take a break, get some tea, and speak to the craftsmen about measures to prevent a repeat scenario?" Because if there's one thing Inessa doesn't want, it's for the spirits to try the same trick on her.