[Mekatra]

Elizaveta's faded a bit when he thanked her for taking him in. "Well, I may disagree with my husband on his tactics and don't exactly agree that we need an assassin at all, it is... well it is a helpful thing in times of war. Wars can begin or end with a single knife in the right back, you know." She furrowed her brow as she spoke. "However, I hope your time here is comfortable. I know that Joane is working hard to train you, just as she worked hard when she first came here herself."

The final course, a tray of sugared fruits and flower shaped pastries filled with jam, arrived Joane looked relieved. "I was beginning to wonder if this veritable feast would ever end. I'm positively stuffed. I shall have to work double time these next few days or risk no longer fitting into my armor for your birthday tournament."