[ It's too close and too familiar, the memory Nina marching off into the hands of the drüskelle branded on her heart. Hastily, she rises from her seat too, calling after her when her palms hit the table. It's like a mother scolding her child. ]

Alina.

[ She takes a practiced breath, her shoulders heaving once before she composes herself. She speaks slowly, as if choosing her words carefully. ]

I don't understand what's happening here, but you are not as I remember you. And it seems you may remember me from a time when I acted very... foolish.

[ See Zoya, being a little bit vulnerable doesn't hurt. No wait, that actually felt very difficult for her and it is only the beginning. She draws her hands back, and lowers herself down to her seat. ]

Sit down and we can try and make sense of this.