Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 20)

Peter tackled his father as well, latching onto his leg, and Tomhas chuckled. "There's my other one! Where's Anneliese and Raina?"
"Raina's there!" Oscar pointed. "And Anneliese is...somewhere. Where's Lyra?"
"She's coming," he assured him. "She and the others were too slow!" He met Anneke's eyes, and his gaze softened. "Hi, dearest one."
"I've missed you." She came forward and kissed the bridge of his nose, then touched her forehead to his. "You look exhausted."

Jerica wrinkled her nose and looked away, glancing back at Ky, who was actively ignoring her. She didn’t know what to do. She felt awkward and out of place but Ky clearly wasn’t doing okay so she couldn’t just leave her.

"Did you have a safe trip back?"
"Yeah." Tomhas set Oscar down so he could hug her, resting his chin on her shoulder and closing his eyes. "I missed you, too."

Ky focused on getting her breathing under control and wiping the tears away. Her face was definitely still mottled and it looked like she’d been crying, but she managed to get the tears to stop at the very least… for now, anyway.

They released each other after a long moment of hugging, and Tomhas glanced guiltily at Ky. Anneke turned to Jerica, smiling swiftly. "Er, hi. I'm Lady Loquitur--who might you be?"

“Jerica Ainsley.” Jerica squared her shoulders and strode towards them, offering a hand to shake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms Ainsley."
"Lieutenant," Tomhas corrected gently.
"Lieutenant--sorry." Anneke dipped her head.

Jerica was a little surprised that Tomhas had stuck up for her. Especially after she’d just reamed him out. “Jerica’s fine.”

"Anneke's fine for me, then." She smiled again. "Did you have a pleasant journey?"

(Has Ky mentioned Jerica's her sister to Anneke in her letters?)

(Let’s go with yes, tho I’m not sure lol)

“It was fine.” Jerica shrugged, but forced a little smile. It felt polite to reciprocate. “It’s… nice to be inside. I don’t like the snow.”

"No?" She chuckled. "Fair enough; you're from the South, right? Ky's sister?"

“Yes.” Jerica nodded matter-of-factly, and glanced over at Ky.

Ky still had her back to the room but felt the eyes on her and sheepishly turned back towards them, wiping at her face and not looking up. She was too embarrassed to make eye contact.

"She's spoken very highly of you in her letters." She also glanced at Ky. "I'm sure you're all very tired; I'd love to talk more over a meal. Can I have the servants get you anything in the meantime?"

Ky shook her head, still not looking up but sidling closer to Anneke and wishing she had the courage to lean in for another hug.

“Um… no? I think I’m okay,” Jerica answered, resisting an overwhelming urge to push Ky into Anneke. It was obvious what she wanted. Why didn’t she just take it?

"Okay." She nodded. "In that case, we can get your luggage up to your rooms and give you the grand tour." She glanced at Ky. "Would you like to give her the tour or stick with us, dear?'