In the instant after he knocked, Numair was suddenly seized with second thoughts. He actually turned around and started to walk away from the door, brushing his hair anxiously out of his face, but then froze when he heard the sound of the lock turning.

He spun back around, opening his mouth to say hello, but it wasn't Hawk standing in the doorway--it was another spirit, taller than Numair, but with fairer skin and grey hair.

There was a moment of silence wherein Numair realized the other spirit recognized him, and he couldn't do anything but stand there and watch that recognition translate into shock. His shoulders slumped.

After a struggle, Vlad said cautiously, "Sh...so, should I bow, or something?"

"Please do not," Numair replied, sighing deeply. Vlad leaned up against the door frame, crossing his arms in an effort to look casual, maybe, or maybe just to cover up his t-shirt, which read 'FUCK POLITICS - go to the beach' across its front in faded print.

"Oh my god," he said, "Okay, so I'm not insane. Uh, what, uh...what are you doing here? Y...your highness."