Ari took Aspel's hand for a moment, giving it a brief squeeze, but when the other woman spoke again, she almost wished she hadn't, for she felt herself go stiff for a few instants before forcing her body to relax once again. It was nothing significant, was it? She could handle a little tenderness, after all, and keep her distance, even if it did make her sorely tempted to reach out and...
She stood from her seat before she gave in to the impulse; this was not why she had come here today, and would almost certainly be unwelcome. Hadn't they already covered this ground thrice over? She usually did not get fixated in this way.
It was with some regret and some relief that she released Aspel's hand and turned away to put away her instrument and school her face back to an open, carefree expression. "I must admit to being surprised that you remember. I am truly grateful that you are such an advocate of... my voice," she said at last, turning back to face Aspel once she was certain nothing at all showed on her face. "I think perhaps I ought to go home and rest it, now. I am a bit tired - and you should sleep, too."