[ he could have left her to her business, sure, and most days, he would have since he's not really looking into getting too caught up with anyone's else situations or problems while he's prioritizing figuring out exactly how this place works and what it'll take to get out of here. especially now, when there's something essential back in — well, somewhere closer to his world — that needs doing.

but it's hard to ignore the familiarity when she had been the one who'd run up to him in the first place. kovacs can mostly make a guess on what had actually happened, the way she so clearly had intended to run into him when she nearly stumbled in front of him, the seemingly afterthought of having that handkerchief shoved in his hands. whatever the reason, he's pretty sure he wasn't a purposeful target.

still, there's some amusing humor in crossing paths with her again, in a situation like this of all places. he might as well entertain it while he figures out his path out of it. ]

Yeah, really lost out on that fancy plaque with my name on it and a coupon for a free massage. [ as if he even knows what the prizes were meant to be. ] I'll survive.

[ with all his teasing, his attention doesn't actually solely linger on her once he moves in closer behind her, his eyes catching on the stone altar itself now that it's clearer within his vision, carrying an age to it that does seep away at his rising interest. ]

Takeshi Kovacs. [ he answers, almost distracted now, as his steps slow to a stop just shy of being directly behind her, though his gaze remains past her at the altar's structure, locked now upon the unique runes there, its history locking his curiosity. ] What is this place?