[ she offers a faint smile at his approach, shaking her head when he first speaks up. ]

No, only long enough for this to arrive. And... yes. I did my best to learn everyone's favorites, in the Academy days.

[ she may never have been close with the leaders of the lions and deer or their right hands, but they had still all been her friends, once. she'd like to think so, anyway. byleth takes a sip of her own tea. honestly, herbal blends typically aren't her favorite, but the soothing effects of chamomile can be rather nice.

now that he's closer, the gold pendant of a twin-headed eagle is obvious around her neck. a ring, gold and set with a ruby, stands out on her hand as she stirs honey into her tea. ]

You seem well. I understand you and El have already talked about the gap in our experiences?