[the small woman at the desk inside looks absolutely dreadful. she looks like she hasn't slept in a week, like she's spent at least ten hours a day crying.

as soon as she looks up and registers des, she scrambles to launch herself at him for a hug with a muffled shriek—"Where have you been?"

it takes a couple minutes of reassurance—no, he's not injured, no, there is nothing to worry about, yes, he can explain all this—before malise recovers herself enough to shift her attention and look at kaine. and there's a naked distrust in her eyes! she is Wondering(tm) about him. "Adrien, who is this?"]