Mina gave Fortescue a firm handshake. She rather liked a woman who shook hands, actually. Although she couldn't tell if that was a product of personality or of changing times.

"A pleasure," she replied, letting go and tucking both of her hands into her blazer pockets. "Circumstances aside, of course."

Mina was still badly burned from the last earthquake. Although her ribs had healed completely, Kindred had difficulties healing wounds caused by fire. And one particularly nasty burn was visible just above her collar.

"Balthazar speaks rather highly of you."