[ a keen observer who also knows enough about maes to be able to tell. but riza also knows better than to call him out on it, too, considering how similar their current boats really are. ]

I'm glad you made it back. [ and the sentiment is genuine, even if there's still a bit of tension there. a hint of now if only roy could too. but she doesn't give voice to it (quite yet). ]

I'm not sure if it's any less ominous, but we're trying to make it more comfortable. And you're definitely welcome. [ she would be nodding, if this had any video. instead, there's definitely a hint of professionalism to it. ] There's some important information, too. Images and videos recovered, that sort of thing. I'll fill you in when you arrive.

[ riza catches the hesitation, and nearly remarks on it when the question follows. then it's time for a hesitation of her own, a moment where she feels her chest tighten, before she takes the effort to exhale. to push the air out of her chest, and the tightness down into her gut.

it's alright, it's going to be alright, trust him. ]

Not yet, no. [ a beat. ] Have you?