After Théadan agreed to the men taking the two horses into the stables for them, Navia pulled Devam’s sword from Wyndagar’s back and looped it onto her own. She watched him speak with Wyndagar with a small smile, then nodded her appreciation to the men when they told her and Théadan to enjoy their stay. Then they were headed toward the steps leading up tot he spa entrance and Théadan was offering her his hand. Navia happily slid hers into his, then wrapped her other hand around the back of his. Both of her hands gave his an affectionate squeeze when he pointed out he could smell the ocean and Navia nodded excitedly. She could not wait to do all the things they had discussed concerning the spa. There was just so much that when Théadan asked what they should do first, Navia could not do much more than shrug her answer at first. “Hmm...” She drew out the hum of indecision while they continued toward the entrance. “We need to find a room first,” she decided and rose onto her toes to press a kiss to his cheek before they ascended the stairs and her hand atop his drifted back to her side, “Then maybe we can go see the springs, have some lunch, and head down to the beach.”<br/><br/>It sounded simple enough, and that they would have more than enough time left in their day to do it all, but it was already early afternoon. Navia hopes they could fit it all in without rushing any of the little fantasies they had dreamt up together. She was thrilled it was even happening though, ecstatic they were walking through the tall white double doors together and entering an expanse foyer showcasing a grand staircase that forked to go to two different wings. Sweeping in from a room to the right was a tall, slender Khluri woman dressed in white to match the spa, her features sharp and her dark eyes curious as they took in the newest patrons to the spa. She appeared youthful, though it was clear she was older, her eyes wise and a single gray streak running through her braided back black hair.<br/>“Welcome,” she spoke in the common tongue after her eyes lingered on Théadan for s time before they settled on Navia, “Welcome to Ghatni, weary travelers, where you may find the healing powers of our springs will rejuvenate you. I am Baiza, keeper of the springs and—“ It was then she paused and stepped forward, her dark eyes scrutinizing Navia closely. They roamed the length of her body quickly, then centered on her face, a slight scowl forming on her lips as if trying to place how she knew Navia. “Forgive me, you very closely resemble an old friend; it’s uncanny. Have you any relation to our Princess, may she rest?”<br/><br/>“Niemah was my mother,” Navia answered with a patient smile, knowing how many in the past had told her how much she looked like her mother. It had always pleased her.<br/><br/>“<i>Sitvati!</i>” The woman gasped, then laughed and suddenly pulled Navia into a hug, “I have not seen you since you were a child! In fact the last time was not long before your poor mother—“ Baiza paused, though it was not out of concern for Navia’s feelings, but Théadan caught the corner of her eye and she frowned, “We had heard word the<i>Avezanas</i>has captured our duchess and taken her back to Mes’Mo’Tan. However did you return to us?”<br/><br/>After glancing at Théadan, the hand she’d left in his giving his hand a soft squeeze, Navia smiled over at Baiza, “I have Théadan to thank for that. It has taken months for us to return, but he saved me and brought me home. Bringing him to my mother’s favorite place is part of my show of gratitude to him.” She saw no point in sharing it had been Théadan who stole her away; no good would come of it and to Navia, Théadan has brought far more joy to her life than grief for it to ever matter.<br/><br/>It was then the woman’s gaze shifted and landed on Théadan, scrutinizing him closely. It was clear to her he was a warrior, one who had seen battle often and could have potentially struck down her own countrymen, but he was clearly dedicated to the woman beside him if he was willing to return her home and stay with her. How much did that relate to the duchess’s title, she wondered? Was this man trying to gain riches and power by latching on to one of Khlurios’s few powerful women? Determined to find out, wanting to protect her friend’s daughter, Baiza reached out to shake Théadan’s hand in welcome, “You are most welcome here as well, Théadan. I hope you find the springs to be a restful and replenishing retreat from your hard travels. Tell me, how has Khlurios treated you thus far?”