Girls' Night In [Abalia, Makoto, Elyss]

As she made yet another check to ensure that everything was in order, it occurred to Abalia that she had not had friends over to her home in a long while. Well, this was not exactly a social gathering, was it? There were serious concerns to be taken care of, after all, and it was rather important to discern if Makoto and Elyss were compatible as collaborators.

Well, there was no further planning that she could feasibly do for now. She had of course had a veritable feast readied, rooms prepared, all possible hospitality for her two guests tonight. That was what a friend did, was it not? Especially given how very much she was asking of them.

The afternoon light was starting to fade, she noted. That meant the two of them would likely be arriving quite soon.

"Ah, good evening Makoto, Elyss. It is a pleasure to have you both."

Though her tone didn't seem particularly different from its usual dull nature, there was very much a slightly more casual air to Abalia's overall demeanor. This was not, after all, an official Gotei meeting, made most immediately apparent by the fact that she was not in uniform. Given Makoto and Elyss both wore their shihakusho, she likely had not conveyed that nearly well enough.

"I of course wish to discuss the matter of this search party, and so we will cover this first. That said, I suppose introductions are in order, yes? I would of course have introduced you, but I do not wish to speak for you. Ah, would either of you care for a drink? If you are hungry, we can eat as well."

Abalia was not out of her element in this sort of situation. Far from it, in fact. Rather, it was simply a side of her that very few ever saw. She put forth none of her authority as the Captain Commander, nor as the White Gold Queen. She was simply Abalia, offering hospitality to friends in her own home.

"Of course."

Most likely would have assumed that a woman of Abalia's standing would simply have one of the family servants pour Makoto's drink, but that was not the sort of woman Abalia was. She poured a glass of water, and handed it to her with a polite nod before turning her attentions to Elyss.

"You have traveled the world extensively, yes? That alone would prove exceptionally helpful, but your capabilities in combat are also quite well-documented. Those two, combined with the trust I can place in you, give plenty of reason to ask. Unless you believe Alex's faith in you is misplaced?"

That could have sounded accusatory, if said in another way, but Abalia only meant it supportively. She knew the bonds of friendship proved quite strong in these sorts of conversations.

"Very good. I'm afraid the family sake reserves are a bit low at the moment, but a hot chocolate is very much within the realm of possibility."

Given the specific nature of that request, Abalia did have no choice but to have a servant go to fetch it. Whether or not that made her unhappy or not, though, did not seem apparent.

"I do have a good deal of confidence in you both, yes. I am still considering if there are any others that may be able to assist you, but at this time I feel that the two of you would be more than sufficient."