Celestia moved first.
She stepped forward toward Aeliana, and the distance between them closed with a natural ease. It was as if it belonged to people who had known each other long enough that formality had become optional.
She embraced her lightly. Not the stiff, ceremonial kind of hug that palaces tended to produce, it was brief genuine and warm, one hand resting at Aeliana's shoulder for just a moment before both women drew back.
"It's good to see you again," Celestia said.
Her voice was low and smooth. The voice that didn't need to rise to be heard.
Aeliana's expression, which rarely shifted from its composed default, softened by a small but visible degree.
"And you," she replied. "You look well."
"I always do, sister"
There was no arrogance in it. Just a simple, quiet fact stated by someone who had long since stopped pretending.
From the side, Callius stepped forward with considerably less formality.
