SERICA
This is a fucking disaster.
The queue to the auditorium stretched well past its entrance. I reasoned that they were checking names at the door. I traced the line, looking for Deneel's distinctive burn-orange side-pony. She would have been impossible to miss if she were here.
I couldn't find Ainset's brass either. Cora squeezed my hand, "It'll be alright, Ser, please calm down."
We both smelled strongly of vanilla. Cora had grabbed a bottle of extract from the kitchen and dabbed our clothes with it to mask any lingering odor. I reasoned I'd rather reek of this than the alternative and let her proceed.
As we entered the building, I caught sight of Illia, standing off to the side beside a flight of stairs. She waved me over, and I stepped out of line, hoping she wouldn't inquire about events with Deneel.
Approaching, I noticed her eyes lingering on Cora and realized this was the first time the two had seen each other.
