[ Ruby's smile is gentle, and she links her arm with Hibiki's to lead her through the grand and spacious entrance hall towards an equally massive central staircase. it's for the sake of keeping warm as much as it is reassurance for Ruby's anxiety over having anybody else in here. ]

No, no, that isn't necessary. Is it a custom where you're from, Hibiki? [ even if that was ever the custom in either of her own households, she wouldn't give a shit about it here. ] I don't spend very much time here, so don't worry too much. It's scary to come out to the Shadowlands, and this doesn't really feel like home.

[ there are various decorative furnishings that have been knocked over here, a broken statue or two, paintings torn from the walls as they make their way to the staircase; Rudbeckia's fingers tighten around Hibiki's arm, anxious, though the only sentiment she has to express at the sight of the destruction is: ]

Father would be furious if he saw the house in such a state...