"And you are as handsome and as kind," Lillith returned, a gentle warmth in her voice.

As ever, she placed herself where she could see anyone entering before they saw her. Even now, when she had been safe from them in Vassalheim more than a year, Lillith could not lose the habit of watching for signs of her sisters.

But when her gaze returned to Vax's face, there was nothing of suspicion in it. Only a hint of the nerves reflected in the arms she now wrapped around her torso. "Your guest, may I ask about her? She is not known to me and I... you know, I have reasons to be cautious about my appearance?"