Zavi leaves, following Magpie.

There seems to be a bareboned room on a large construction site. It probably isn't actually safe for them to be here at all, the room not really up to code nor containing much of the things that makes a room an actually livable space. Still, here Jaenelle is, and here she has called others, much to the dismay of the construction crew that had to put their work on hold to have the meeting. The crew is still here though, the Princess made sure of it so they could hear the ideas thrown about so they can easily see them done.

Jaenelle is sitting at the front of the room, blueprints flattened before her along with an assistant to act as scribe. On the table is a mask, though it does not seem as if Jaenelle knows where it came from as it has been set off to the side. Each person who enters gets a bright smile as she waits for people to settle into the chairs set into rows.

Orazio enters in his formal robes - which are probably sweltering, considering the summer heat. But perhaps his Lycene heritage aids in that regard, as the Legate seems stern, serene, and reserved (as opposed to sweaty and panting) as he enters. His Templar guards take up positions out of the way, and he bows to Jaenelle before moving to take a seat in one of the front rows.

Carlo arrives, delivering a message to Orazio before departing.

Sparte shows up to look, not really having a role to contribute. Yet, anyway. He looks over the construction thoughtfully for a little while before taking off his leather helmet and putting on his rubicund one stowed in my backpack. Clearly a vote of confidence in the construction crew.

Reigna is on time! No longer slowed by her pregnancy, the Keaton Countess is punctual and elegant in her movements, clad in an ocean-blue silk gown and matching slippers. She's followed by a large canine shadow -- Oaken, her Keaton Bloodhound glued to her side. His eyes are alert, tracking the room as a whole as he heels to his mistress' side. Reigna looks around for a place to sit so she can take notes and pay attention.

Margot moves with care, doing her best not to waddle but there is a bit of a sway to her step despite that. The white clad duchess looks around the space thoughtfully and curiouslly.

Somewhere in the back, alarissa has found a seat to sit quietly out of the way.

Prince Aiden and Lady Lucita arrive together, with the Prince offering his arm as escort to his friend's betrothed. He looks around at the construction and wears a faint smile, murmuring to Lucita, "I feel some measure of reliving the moments building the Menagerie." His eyes cast aside to Lucita with a warm polite smile touching his lips, gaze then reverting toward Jaenelle, "Princess Jaenelle, thank you for involving us all tonight." His tone reaches out, "Good luck tonight." Then he's gesturing to Lucita to take a seat in the front rows.

Mae wanders in, her less-than-formal cloak. It's near black and sort of shimmery. Beneath, more dark colors, which makes sense, as this is also wearing skull earrings. Definitely channeling her inner Death. In her arms is a wiggly, uh... Is it a dog? It's mostly hairless, with tufts for fur, and it's growling now and then. "Hush or you get to wait outside," she hisses at the dog(?). Soon as she's inside, Mae looks for an out of the way place to observe.

Shard enters, wearing the same black leathers she /always/ wears (at least they're not the older leathers she used to always wear before she obtained these), and simply takes a seat near the back, as if she has an actual reason to be here.

3 Fidante House Guards, Alejandro arrive, following Calista.

Merek might have actually sent something that stated he would assist in adding his personal feel to it all and to assisting with initial construction, but he also wished to come and speak in person as well, or just observe. He has on his linen along with an umbra cloak and also his crafting sigil upon the back of that. The hood is up, only his gaze and full beard noticable.

Mia arrives as she nearly always does -- at a brisk, purposeful pace that strongly suggests wisdom lies in removing oneself from her path. She stopped once she was in the building, though, or what existed of it thus far, her eyes scanning the construction and its progress.

Bastien arrives looking distinctly less formal or fancy than the many nobles in attendance for the meeting. He wears the simplest of plain clothing, rumpled and a bit disheveled, a well-worn leather bag slung across his chest, his eyes sharply perceptive but the slightest bit bloodshot and with a hint of bruising on the delicate skin under them. He slouches down onto a chair nearer the back, his gaze tracking slowly across the gathering crowd. It pauses on Mae -- or, more specifically, the creature she's holding. "That thing," he tells her, "is disgusting."

Justice, an elegant hunting falcon arrives, delivering a message to Margot before departing.

Lucita laughs softly at Aiden's comment, "You were burdened with so many plans you nearly needed a cart to haul those and your many messages around, Prince Aiden." She curtsies toward Jaenelle and smiles then takes her seat.

"Yeah, but so is your face," Mae says, to Bastien. "And most of us don't point it out," she says, with a hmph. The sits, and settles the dog(?) in her lap, then tugs out her sketch book, and sets it atop the dog. Sketch book blanket! Doggy desk? Whatever the case, this must be a normal practice already, ast he dog doesn't protest. Mae pulls out her colored pencils, next, and prepares.

Aiden raises a brow and flicks a ringlet of hair out of his gaze with a turn of his head, "I shouldn't be taking on such a feat again, any time soon. Maybe a rookery, but we will see what comes of that." He smirks to her with a knowing glint as he settles in the seats provided, fixing his tunic afterward and casting his eyes toward the table and the blueprints. However he does scan those faces who are here, nodding at familiar faces.

A vision of sun and sea, Calista Fidante crosses the threshold with a shimmering entrance. Her hair is perfectly styled in a low and elegant chignon and her subtle makeup accentuates her exotic features, namely the shadowed hue of her emerald eyes. A warm smile graces her lips as she moves towards an available seat, offering the kind gesture of a delicate hello to any and all with the softness of her mellifluous voice.

Then theres Tobias, who comes in with his usual Blades tunic and takes a seat, his bodyguards all waiting at the entrance as he looks around. "Well, this is going to be interesting." Tobias quips.

Orazio looks around, offering brief smiles to those he recognizes. His attention seems captured by Bastien and Mae's conversation, though, and he looks long on the subject of the commentary. His expression suggests he might actually agree with Bastien, but what he /says/ is, "Disciple Mae, you seem to be well, today. And this...dog? is a new addition?"

Jaenelle dips her head respectfully in turn to greet Orazio, Aiden and Lucita also receiving a smile and tip of chin though she is quiet for the most part as people still begin to enter and find a seat. As it seems most who've wished to come are here, Jaenelle stands and moves to stand before the table, leaning slightly against it as she grins, "thank you all for coming! I am really pleased at the level of interest and excitement this project has gathered. It is going to take a lot of work to build the embassy and while I have informed the King that I would build it myself if I had to to see it done, he has promised to at least push a wheelbarrow every once in awhile so I am reassured that it'll at least get done and our hard work here wont be for nothing."

Venteri enters in a sweep of colors, smooth step and long flowing hair mixing with the movement of his clothes to create an illusion as though he is simply floating into the building, propelled by water. He comes a few steps into the hall and halts, surveying the room before moving to where Alarissa sits and bowing to the Princess-Consort. "Ah, my dear. You're looking as lovely as usual. If you are feeling quite up to it, I trust I can depend upon you for the appropriate introductions?"

Reigna can't miss the attention given to Mae and her dog and she lifts a hand to try to hide her grin. "I see you've won his heart already, Mae." Reigna's eyes shine with humor and then she meeps as Jaenelle speaks, quieting down to listen.

Margot folds her hand sover the curve of her stomach and is about to say something but her gaze stops on Venteri and the lady quiets, watching the new comer with a warm, soft smile.

Bastien's eyes snap into a fiercely narrowed glare for Mae's retort. "My face," he starts with an immediate flare of temper, "is not--" His teeth snap audibly shut, and his lips curl into a sneer. He digs into his leather bag to retrieve a large notebook that also sets several other loose pages to nearly flying out before he snatches them up and stuffs them back into the bag. He settles back against his seat with notebook and pen in hand just in time for his gaze to catch on Venteri. He stares at him with open fascination.

"Father Orazio, this is Scourge, Fang of the Marsh. He is my new friend. I won him in a game of skill," Mae says, ever so formally. Scourge, this is Father Orazio," she says, lifting her sketch book just enough for the dog to stare at Orazio. Then her attention (and the dog's) drift to Reigna, and she offers a broad smile. Mae then quiets as things get started... only she's not really listening. She's /staring/ at Venteri. Staring, staring, staring. How rude.

Merek looks over towards Venteri and blinks a bit, seeing the elven man and trying to see if he recognizes this one from before. He tilts his head a little bit to the side.

Alarissa says in Marin'alfar, "prince venteri. you flatter me with your words. i can promise to introduce you to others or at least relay their names to you" she murmurs. "would you care to join me?""

Orazio stares at the dog. Sternly. The dog stares back. If it weren't for the shift of attention, there might have been an Epic Eye Battle of the Ages, but as it is, the Legate simply murmurs, "Remarkable," as the two's attention drifts. His attention catches briefly on Venteri, lighting up with interest, but then moves on, back towards Princess Jaenelle. "It's good to hear, your highness. It's been a while since the building was resolved to be built."

alarissa looks over when Venteri stops by her eat, speaking quietly to the marin'alfar in his native tongue and gesturing to the seat beside her.

Shard leans back in her chair, as much as the chair will allow without actually tipping, and crosses her arms over her chest. Her gaze flits as much between those seated as it does the person up front--more, really--but she doesn't seem inclined to say anything at all.

Then, Venteri enters the room, and Tobias gives a look over to the elf. "Huh. Now I want to know how many elves are out there." Tobias muses out loud, "Welcome to the Compact and all that, Mr. Venteri." Tobias gives by way of greeting.

Aiden spots Shard and Merek, though his attention swings to the fish elf and Alarissa, watching closely for a time.

Reigna's attention shifts to Venteri and there is a wide, friendly smile sent his way, even as she straightens her posture and signals for Oaken to make room for the elf to pass in order to get to Alarissa. The Princess-Consort gets a smile as well from the countess and a little wave.

"Probably more than three kind, but so far we just know of three," Merek asides to Tobias, then he rubs at his full beard beneath his hood, "Not the one I remember meeting, but it's a pleasure to meet you," he offers over to the elf, since he was looking, might as well add words rather than be less than nice. Then he relaxes to listen to folk.

Mia's eyes drifted over to the colorful elf as he entered; surely, Venteri's appearance would cause something of a stir. Or at least a little mumbling amongst those gathered. But in her case, it brought a sudden flash of recollection across her face -- the look of someone who's just remembered something she forgot to do, and ought to see to. Later. For now, she watched him for a moment, and then another, before her attention went back to Jaenelle. "May I ask, Your Highness, if you have a formal agenda for tonight, or are looking for more.... amassed suggestions?"

"Four," Shard mutters, more under her breath than anything else.

Lucita gives an amused smile to Aiden. "A rookery...." Her voice trails off as Jaenelle begins to speak, interest split in two directions, the blueprints and what Aiden said, at least till the entry of Venteri, her head turning enough to discretely catch a glimpse of him without staring. She folds her hands in her lap, listening to the comments of others politely.

Merek debates a moment, "Oh right... Duh," he seems to recall how to count, then shakes his head in any case, as he just listens for the time being.

Since the Marin'alfar asked for introductions, Jaenelle steps forward to formally do so herself. "Hello, Ambassador Venteri, welcome to Arx. I am Princess Jaenelle Velenosa, His Majesty has told me a great deal about your people, and I am honored to have the opportunity to formally meet you as I could not be there for the Assembly when you first arrived." Once done, she turns towards Mia, "there will be more meetings in the future for those who were not able to be here tonight, but I am looking for those interested in assisting. I have had a few missives, but not enough. I need people who are interesting is designing a room for the embassy."

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide arrives, delivering a message to Margot before departing.

Sparte hangs towards the back still, watching and listening with an expression of curiousity. He grins a bit at the thought of the king with a wheelbarrow, actually looking around to see if one is nearby.

"The Faith would be interested in...sponsoring? a room," Orazio says. "Are those who wish to participate just to deliver a design, or would we need to supply the resources and labor to build it?"

Curious about the Nox'alfar and elves in general, Quenia makes her way into the meeting proper - albeit a teensy bit late. She steps inside and off to the left to leave room for others to arrive, should they still wish to do so, and takes a moment to look around the room. As she looks about, she brushes off her a whimsical silken summer sea nymph gown; one of Petal's creations. Spying Lucita, she lifts a hand in a little wave and then makes her way over to her cousin, offering her a warm smile. "Am I too late?" she says in a low voice to Lucita.

"I'd be interested, as a crafter," Merek offers towards Jaenelle, as he offers a wan smile that way and inclines his head, "As well as assistance in the general building up of the place as well.

Calista sits quietly for the moment while Jaenelle addresses the gathered group. Obviously everyone's attention is on Venteri. The Duchess of Tor politely bows her head in the Prince's direction as he settles himself down beside Alarissa. When the hostess speaks up again, Calista turns her attention that way and then Orazio mentions the Faith sponsoring a room. There is a small smile tickling the corners of her lips at the Legate's words.

Aiden nods shortly to Lucita, his eyes following to Quenia who makes her way over to join them. He spares her a short nod because he's sitting with Lucita, though his attention does settle to Jaenelle, "I'd be interested. I have some experience with design, now."

"I might be able to convince some of our people to lend a hand here in their off time, for some extra silver." Tobias offers, then he looks to Venteri, "Tobias Telmar, Lord General of the Crimson Blades." Tobias inclines in head in greeting to the Ambassador.

Lucita says, "Princess Jaenelle,wWhat type rooms and how many, general or central rooms for all, specific wings and areas for forest or ocean? That would help to know in coming up with ideas." She gives Quenia a smile and murmurs, "Just getting started, I think you have heard the gist of what has been said so far, Marquessa Quenia.""

Venteri bows again and then starts to take a seat next to Alarissa when Jaenelle introduces herself and he pauses and turns to bow to her. "Delighted to meet you," he says to the Princess, before he gives Merek a smile as well. "If you are centering a room on the Faith of the Nox'alfar, you may want to consider filling it with spiders," he suggests to Orazio quite seriously.

"Oh! I can get spiders," Mae pipes up, with a smile sent to Venteri. Then her gaze shifts to Orazio. "And can help with painting, if... such is needed, Father." Then a look over. "Your highness," she adds, with Jaenelle.

Bastien's gaze lingers on Quenia and Lucita a moment as they talk, and then he looks back to Venteri and barks out a loud, brisk laugh for his suggestion. His lips curve with some private, inner delight, and he scribbles down a few words in his notebook.

Orazio chuckles at Venteri's words. He dips his head in that direction. "Thank you, Ambassador, for the suggestion. It might not be a very good, ah, bridge between cultures if it sends most of we humans screaming into the night, though." He grins towards Mae. "Of course. If we are so lucky as to secure a room or two." A quick glance back to Jaenelle, then.

"Sponsoring is the perfect term" Jaenelle tells with a brightening of features towards Orazio. "The Crown is working on funding for the construction, though as this is a gift from the Compact, donations would certainly not be turned away. I am sure Prince Rook would appreciate it" she adds with a grin. At the talk of spiders, her head tilts slightly, "I am sure if any are needed they can bring those from home."

Tobias checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Quenia inclines her head to Aiden and offers him a as well, recognizing him from Igniseri's concert event not long ago. She looks back to Lucita and nods, and then takes a seat closest to her cousin, if not directly next to her. "Thank you," she says to Lucita, and then smoothes the gown over with a light flutter of her hands. She looks around the room again, and her eyes widen slightly at Venteri, and her gaze once more turns curious. However, when Jaenelle speaks, she easily turns her gaze from the Marin'alfar to pay attention to the meeting at large, tucking away the details of what is going on for later consideration.

"Spiders?" Reigna asks Venteri and then bites her lip, grinning in the way of Orazio's rejoinder. She looks back to Jaenelle and nods, "Should we submit drawings of our ideas to you, your highness? And is there a place to see the list of rooms and put our name down so we don't accidentally double up?"

Alarissa dips her head to all who greet her and smiles when the Marin pipes up about spiders and mae speaking up as well. "I second the Harlequin. We can see to spiders of varying sizes to adorn the embassey"

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple arrive, following Aureth.

Aiden politely excuses himself from Lucita's side and nods to Quenia in passing, "Good to see you again. Excuse me."

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Severa, the Guard Shepherd, Dame Evie leave, following Aiden.

"I might suggest making use of stained glass throughout," Mia offered quietly, "to give mitigate some of the effects of the light within. And to also create a cohesive feel between the spaces."

Venteri beams at Alarissa. "You see," he says to Orazio, "not everyone is going to run screaming in terror. I'm told they very much like spiders on account of their Lady. I feel certain that there are at least a few people in the city who would find this a warm welcome." He looks over at Mae who has offered to collect spiders for the Embassy and bestows a smile on her as well. "I'm sure they'll feel very much at home."

Margot laughs softly and moves closer to look at the list of rooms closely. "Spiders" She reaffirms. "I am not a crafter but I would be happy to advise or sponsor one of the rooms."

Jaenelle nods her head towards Mia, "I have discussed this part of the embassy, as there can't be any actual windows in which too much light can enter. Tapestries, heavy curtains, crystalized glass. All of these things can work, if not all at once together just for safety reasons."

Once the list of rooms is seen, Reigna is tilting her head to the side as she peruses the list. She looks up at Venteri and cannot help a smile looking at the Marin'alfar. "Can Keaton assist the Faith, Father?" This seems directed towards Orazio, clearly.

Orazio gives Venteri a thoughtful look. "Ambassador, your advice is appreciated. And, I'm quite sure, comes from a place of pure helpfulness and kindness, and has absolutely nothing to do with what I understand is a bit of an ongoing rivalry between your two cultures." His voice is dry. "But I am quite certain that, when it comes to living arachnids, the Nox'Alfar can supply as many as they feel comfortable with."

Aureth arrives late, probably due to reasons. He sweeps a glance through the gathered and then moseys to join the generally assembled with his hands loosely folded across his chest. "In my experience they generally turn up on their own," he says. "I'm happy to share my design notes from the Shrine to the Queen, as well, as we were careful to ensure that no unfiltered sunlight touches anywhere inside it."

Nyx, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to Shard before departing.

Orazio adds, to Reigna, "If none of the other available rooms match Keaton's needs, then of course, I suppose." He seems a touch bemused by the request.

Shard eases out of her seat and makes her way toward the door without a word. Much as she entered, really.

"I do believe Archlector Aureth and I can envision what the Nox might like... for their personal quarters," Mae offers up, following after Orazio and Aureth.

Margot mmms, looking over the sun room, a slow smile on her lips. "Oh but you could have candles behind yellow glass in this one. Safe sunlight." She winks with a chuckle.

With a nod to Orazio, Reigna gets to her feet. She offers another smile to Alarissa, "Princess-Consort, it has been too long since you've been to tea. Your highness," This to Venteri clearly, "It was very nice to see you." Then she slips away, trying to be as non-disruptive as she can.

Oaken, a massive Oakhaven bloodhound, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat leave, following Reigna.

"There's no rivalry between us," Venteri says dismissively. "They serve their purpose much like the spiders do." But he makes a gesture and then returns Reigna's greeting. "And you as well, my lady." To Alarissa he comments idly though, "How curious to see so many people with such a fascination with the Nox'alfar. Am I to understand from this that you lost knowledge of the existence of the Nox'alfar as well?"

"We've lost a lot of knowledge, one would surmise." Alarissa answers Venteri, a dip of her head to Orazio and a smile to the comments of spiders and sharing rooms. "I am sure that the spiders will come, they do indeed. With them, spiderwebs are sure to then be erected." Her fingers laced over her middle, Alarissa seems content to let the others pick rooms.

"I traveled Arvum for a good five year or so, Ambassador." Tobias gives in reply, "I explored, bodyguarded, tried to get to other continents, and all kinds of other fun stuff. Nowhere in all my travels did I ever find any evidence of either of your peoples. Same goes for a lot of other explorers."

"Your highness?" Mae asks, lifting a hand. "I have a question..."

Spirit, the Sleepy Brown Fox arrives, delivering a message to Margot before departing.

Jaenelle looks towards her hired scribe, making sure that the assistant is getting everything down he should. As houses and groups claim rooms to sponsor, Jae looks a bit more relaxed than she had at the start. "Yes?" she says when addressed, eyes swinging from the scribe to Mae with a smile, "I hope I have an answer and if I do not I will find it or make something that sounds good up."

Lucita looks over the room and suggestion list and shakes her head. To Quenia she says. "For some reason, perhaps because I grew up in Granato, my mind keeps thinking of rooms more focused on the sea than Nox or forests. Of course my vague thoughts of details might not work there either but guess tonight will just show interest and listen."

"Thank you, your highness," Mae says, polite and formal. Though she doesn't stand. Because there's a sketchbook and snoring rat-dog in her lap. "It's my understanding that you're the... Minister of Infratructure? And I'm sort of confused... why it's you overseeing the project, instead of the Observers, who I thought were the diplomats? Or, of course, the Whispers... I thought had a meeting space for foreign, um, ambassadors nad the like..."

"Because buildings are infrastructure, and it's a building," Bastien drawls from his seat, eyes still down in his notebook as he scribbles.

Spirit, the Sleepy Brown Fox arrives, delivering a message to Margot before departing.

Quenia seems to have been content simply listening to the banter for now. She glances aside to Lucita as she speaks. "We've added onto our house, but I've no creative bone when it comes to designing things for elves. I'll be content to listen and donate to the cause when the time comes for donations."

"I assume that there will be a process to vet the final design submissions for appropriateness and respect for the Nox'Alfar," Orazio adds, his brow furrowing. "Allowing people unlimited rein when it comes to the Nox'Alfar has...not worked out in the past."

Aureth checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Pale gaze flicking toward Orazio, Aureth smiles faintly and doesn't offer any commentary aside from the glint in his eyes. He says mildly, "The Legate raises a good point. Arvani historically are not great at cultural sensitivity."

One black brow arched mildly at Orazio's comment. There was curiosity in that expression and, frankly, Mia didn't even bother trying to hide it. "Something of an understatement," she murmured after Aureth's words.

"it went well enough in Maelstrom. It has produced, in fact, a very lovely embassey. Each individual welcome to partake of the main room, and provide their thoughts and design elements upon the room. Perhaps a list of what not to be included, such as direct sunlight, mention of the other elven races, things that eat spiders, might be proffered, in the interest of cultural sensitivity?" Alarissa offers up.

Jaenelle motions towards Bastien's answer though expands, "I have also reached out to Mistress Bliss, as she has ties to the Nox'alfar, and she has offered her assistance. The Radiant Whisper will most certainly be consulted on the project for her unquestionable diplomatic skills as well."

Aureth has rolled a critical success!
Aureth checked willpower + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

This is what Aureth looks like when he isn't saying anything. He examines his cuticles.

"Right, but-... Nevermind," Mae says, and shakes her head. She spares a glare at Bastien, then puts her eyes back on her sketch book. For anyone with a line of sight on the book, she's drawing Venteri.

Orazio gives Alarissa an amused glance, before turning back to Jaenelle, and nodding. "As long as trained diplomats are overseeing the design work, my concerns are allayed. I have every confidence in the Whispers."

Merek checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 1 higher.

Merek looks around a bit and finds something to drink before he speaks. So with that in mind, he just doesn't speak as he drinks whatever is out and about.

"The object is certainly not to step on toes or offend the Observers nor the Nox'alfar" Jaenelle assures both Mae and Orazio. "Each blueprint will most assuredly be passed before His Majesty and the Observers to make sure that the rooms meet strict guidlines."

"Thank you, your highness," says Mae. She then offers a nod toward Orazio, and then is back, once more, to sketching.

Venteri looks suddenly, briefly annoyed but then he responds to Alarissa in a quiet tone.

Quenia whispers something to Lucita, then rises from her seat. She turns to quietly leave.

Alarissa reaches over, fingertips resting gently on Venteri's forearm and murmurs something.

Calista rises from her seat just then and quietly excuses herself from the others who have gathered and with a gracious bow of her head to Jaenelle, she takes her leave.

3 Fidante House Guards, Alejandro leave, following Calista.

Jaenelle looks around as it seems people have grown quiet with questions or suggestions, "I am very pleased with the level of progress we've made and will inform the King of what went on in the meeting. I was planning to host another soon to provide more information as I receive it. If there are no other questions?"

Orazio shakes his head. "None from myself, at least. Thank you, your highness, for allowing us to see the unfinished construction, and for your time."

Lucita looks up at Quenia as she speaks. There is a faint resigned expression she gives Quenia but she nods as the woman leaves and lets her gaze track around the room and the building supplies, the progress so far. She shakes her head. "None of which can think at the moment."

Margot smiles lightly to Jaenelle, "Thank you Princess, if there is any assistance you need please do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, your highness," Mae says, again. Her gaze then turns to Aureth. "Painting?" she asks, quietly. "And maybe..." she flicks her eyes to Orazio, then back to Aureth, "...wants to see?"

Aureth raises his eyebrows. "You tell me," he says to Mae, but he's already turning to glance towards Orazio as he says with a slight lift of his chin. "Legate Orazio, my disciple apparently has done some painting that she'd like to share ... have you a few moments to spare?"

Venteri looks over at the woman sketching and says to Alarissa, "Would that happen to be Mae Culler, by any chance? So far she has stared and painted and offered spiders, so I admit I wonder."