The door creaked open as Aria stepped out, Arian floating lazily beside her like a shimmering ghost.
"We can't keep everyone waiting now, can we?" she said with a smile.
A guard stationed outside gave a small nod. "This way, Lady Aria."
She followed him down the torch-lit hallway, the echoes of their steps soft against the stone floor.
"I don't like parties," Arian grumbled.
"It's not a party, it's a feast," Aria corrected.
"It's still related," Arian muttered.
"No, they're different."
They started bickering, whispering back and forth until the guard turned around with a raised eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"
Aria chuckled nervously. "No, nothing at all."
As they kept walking, she sighed. "Please, refrain from talking to me once we're there."
"Why should I?" Arian puffed. "We're investigating together."
"Yes, but only I can see you. It'll look weird if I start talking to thin air."
"How rude. That's your problem, not mine. Besides, what if something comes up?"
