With a flourish of his arm, Portius bows deeply.

You curtsey gracefully.

You smile and say to Portius, "A pleasure to see you again, Minister."

Before the Matrix. (Hallifax City)
Banks of clouds roil about here. Long, lean, and vibrating with barely-contained
energy, a greyhound sniffs about here. A statue of Fraesic Sunfar, Keeper of the
Matrix stands here, memorializing his noble spirit. Radiating with an
incandescent brilliance, the Matrix floats within the circular walkway, slowly
turning and revealing flowering geometric patterns. Wind whipping through his
wings, Fraesic Sunfar, Keeper of the Matrix is here, face upturned to the chill
breeze. There are 10 Sentinel Deputy Commissars here. There are 10 Guardians of
the Dodecahedron here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here.
A majestic onyx obelisk rises from the centre of a polished ring of silver,
bolts of icy white energy arcing between the two. A simple rectangular picnic
basket rests here. High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State is
here, surrounded by a flurry of white feathers caught in a perfumed breeze. He
wields a wind-swept viola of prismatic feathers in his left hand and a crystal-
inlaid greatshield in his right. Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal is here,
surrounded by a flurry of white feathers caught in a perfumed breeze. He wields
a delicate crystal staff in his left hand and a bloody ear in his right.
Librarian Portius Windwhisper is here, shrouded.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to you, "Likewise, Provost."

You smile impishly and say to Portius, "You missed much when you left us."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh? Did the topic of gossip turn to me?"

You have emoted: Zyphora delicately touches her fingers to her lips, suppressing
soft laughter.

You say, "Oh, of course not, dear Minister."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah yes. Of course not."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Silly me to think it might."

Nodding sagely, you say, "We had not the time, for we found ourselves honoured
by the presence of several strangers who came seeking tea."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "How could so many people find out that we
were taking tea?"

You smile and say, "I have no idea! I simply attribute it to Volucer's natural
magnetic personality, just as he drew me to the Glade."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Or perhaps our most delightfully insidious
Lady had a hand in it."

You laughingly say, "Insidious! I have never heard the Lady be described in such
a manner!"

A wry smile spreads across Eritheyl's face.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Perhaps it would be better to say the She
is devious?"

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You smile impishly and say, "Perhaps. I daresay She might disagree aloud, as a
lady is anything but devious, but in truth be flattered."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh? Ladies cannot be devious?"

You look thoughtful and say, "'Creative' might be a more becoming term."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, this must be one of those points of
etiquette that I need to learn."

You nod your head sagely.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Fascinating."

You say, "It is only to be expected. You have only completed the first part of
the lesson."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Indeed. What was to come next?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Small talk? Flirtation?"

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

Tapping her chin consideringly, you say, "We already covered small talk with
general company. Flirtation is more difficult - more delicate. That is a later
lesson to be learned."

Glancing over Portius appraisingly, you say, "There is the matter of appropriate
attire."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, I see."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Is my fashion sense so lacking?"

<
He is a feathered cloud trill and has a thin, drawn face framed by wings of a
soft, grey color. His skin is well tanned, although he has the posture of a man
who spends too long hunched over a desk. He is wearing a weather-beaten stoat
coat, a rainbow coloured ring, a teardrop pendulum of starlit quartz, a set of
sterile researcher's robes, a soft black leather satchel and a midnight black
rose. He walks with the highfavour of Zvoltz.>>

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State says, "Yes."

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State says, "Yes it is."

You have emoted: Zyphora gently lifts the lapel of Portius's robes, before
dropping it just as delicately.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Bah. It is utilitarian, Magistrate."

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State smiles impishly and says,
"Therein lies the problem."

You smile impishly and say, "A tea is certainly not utilitarian."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Are furs not fashionable, at least?"

Eritheyl lifts a dainty hand to his neckline, glancing about with uncertain
disdain.

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State says, "How barbaric."

(Clan): You say, "Yes, be snooty with me, Eri :D."

(Clan): Eritheyl says, "Windwhispers are always snooty, it's our
duty!"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "The animals in question were the subjects
of an impromptu study on battlefield surgery, Magistrate. It seemed churlish not
to make use of their remains."

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State says, "I am quite
possibly the worst example to be found on fashion, given that I wear my work."

High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper, Servant of the State looks skeptical and says,
"But my advice is sound."

You say, "Clothing for tea is not meant to be the side effects of convenience
and recycling."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Then what should be worn to tea parties?"

Patting the sleeves of his suit jacket, High Maestro Eritheyl Windwhisper,
Servant of the State says, "She does not mean you, love."

You have emoted: Zyphora frowns pensively at Portius before her countenance
smoothes into a serene expression once more. Airily, she explains, "Formal suits
are to be worn at tea parties. Even those occasions deigned 'informal'."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I don't believe I've ever worn a suit in my
life."

Sighing, you say, "Or even... Even a formal shirt and trousers, with recently-
shined shoes."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I've spent my life in robes, I'm afraid."

Brightening, you say, "A tea is meant to showcase the aesthetics of the mortal
figure, as well as of the surroundings. Ruffled cravats, porcelain tea pots,
matching teacups and saucers... All are meant to coalesce in a physical and
spiritual manifestation of beauty."

You say to Portius, "That must change."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "But the beauty is so fleeting! Is it not
better to direct your effort towards a more lasting form of beauty?"

You say, "Do you not understand? The transience of beauty is beauty in itself!"

You peer at Portius unscrupulously.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I suppose so, but that transcience means
that few may experience it. Surely other beauties offer greater social utility?"

Nearly sputtering, you say, "Social... Social utility!"

You say to Portius, "You cannot be my cousin."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I believe that I am, dear comrade."

You give Portius the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

You say, "Well." She sighs in resignation. "I do suppose it is truly my burden
to bear, that I should teach you the lessons of a proper tea."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Surely it is not so heavy a burden!"

You say, "Surely, I do not know."

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh, dear. I must say that I hope my social
graces, or lack thereof, are not a blemish on the good name of the Institute."

You say to Portius, "Tea is 'social utility' in that it can, with a few proper
words here and there, bring you into the good graces of other dignified persons
in society. And the use of this 'social utility' is that not everyone can
experience it. Not all can receive its benefits."

You have emoted: Zyphora raises her eyebrows meaningfully.

You say, "It is the luxury of the upper castes."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I see. Then it is improper to cross
etiquette and societal concerns."

You look thoughtful and say, "It is fair to speak of societal concerns over tea,
but not so much that it upsets the delicate balance of the atmosphere."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "And how can this balance be assessed at a
given point in the conversation?"

You look thoughtful and say, "Normally, it is an inherent ability, to gauge the
moods of others. But, if one must resort to quantifying it, one must observe
body language and tone. Some say that an unusual rhythm of speech can be a clue
as to a person's emotional state."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I see. And differing patterns are
correlated with differing emotions. Fascinating."

You say, "Indeed. Just as the lucidian are given away by their multitudinous
colours, any other race can be given away by their instinctive reactions."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. And are we trill much the same as, say
humans?"

You smile and say, "Yes, alas, most of us are burdened with the same emotional
spectrums as they have."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Well, at least I need not study so many
patterns to understand all beings!"

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

You say, "If you have read your histories, you will find the Goddess we sharded
from, Lady Trillillial, was more inclined to display emotion than Her mate, Lord
Xyl, progenitor of the lucidian race."

You say, "Thus, it is fitting that, in general, the population of each race
share the same qualities."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh, indeed."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I daresay that my lack of social grace
seems to break from the traditional form."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "If I may. While it may seem that we..
don't show emotion..it can likewise say we are all the more obvious of it, as
our mood tends to change the colour that we radiate outwardly."

Zhesle arrives from the southwest.

With a flourish of his arm, Zhesle bows deeply.

Portius bows respectfully to Zhesle.

Unicron inclines his head politely to those around him.

You curtsey gracefully before Zhesle.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "True. That does make it somewhat easier to
assess."

You smile and say to Unicron, "Indeed. Though it takes a learned individual to
discern which moods each colour represents."

Unicron's single eye sparkles with amusement.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It is still more clear than the twitching
of facial muscles."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "Quite."

Portius shimmers into existence before you.

You say to Portius, "For those who speak the language of colours! But for those
of us who are not quite so fluent, we may have the ability to convey and
interpret much from body language instead."

You smile and say, "It is a gifted person who can easily transition between both."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I concede that I hardly speak either."

You say to Portius, "With more lessons, you will be fluent. Such language is an
important part of the lesson you mentioned earlier: flirtation."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "A seemingly difficult matter. How is one
even to practice it? There seems to be no training ground for the romantic
arts!"

Waving her hand dismissively, you say, "There are plentiful training grounds!"

You say, "You may practice upon anyone you wish who gives consent."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, but it seems to me that it would be
difficult for many to disengage their emotional responses! That could leave to
delicate social situations, could it not?"

You say, "You mean, you worry that you might cause others to actually fall in
love with you?"

You peer at Portius unscrupulously.
.
At length, you say, "All the better then."

Airily, you say, "We are in want of more Windwhispers."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "That is true. But if I am to contribute in
that area, I would have to break my bachelordom."

Eritheyl is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul
safe until he returns to Lusternia.

You say, "Indeed, that is the idea."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. That would be rather time consuming,
no? It could distract from my duties as a scientist and librarian."

You say to Portius, "Not unless your chosen partner were similarly gifted and
understood your duties." She raises an eyebrow. "Marriage is not just about
'love'. It is symbiosis."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh? I am not certain that I follow."

You say, "How do I explain this... Each must support the other where the other
falters. When together, they are more efficient than working separately."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It seems exactly like the Collective itself.
Would that not render marriage redundant?"

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "But marriage begets more Collectivists."

Unicron's single eye sparkles with amusement.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. That is true."

You say, "Marriage is functional in that respect."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "All that aside, though, there is the matter
of finding a marriageable maiden in the first place! Finding one through
happenstance seems inefficient."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "I do believe social gatherings help in
that matter."

Sighing, you say, "So we come to the flaw in the design."

You nod your head at Unicron.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Naturally. But so few seem to occur."

You say, "There are indeed hardly any efficient ways to individually meet and
interview every eligible maiden in existence, but social gatherings do offer
more chances to come upon someone suitable."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully
gather your thoughts.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says to you, "Perhaps we could work on more
social gatherings."

You nod your head at Unicron.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "Such as teas."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "There should be a directory. With a color
coded key to indicate personality traits."

Unicron's single eye sparkles with amusement.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says to Portius, "If only it were so easy to
understand females."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Unicron, "They are indeed baffling
creatures, but hardly any more so than men."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says to Portius, "Quite, quite. That's why
you must speak to as many eligible females as possible, so as to find one who
has a personality that fits wonderfully with your own."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. It still seems inefficient.
Professional matchmakers, perhaps?"

Unicron ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal asks you, "Do you know of any Matchmakers?"

You look thoughtful and say, "Well... I suppose I did recently aid some of the
inhabitants of Delport in finding their soulmates, but other than that, I have
no credentials."

Unicron's single eye sparkles with amusement.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says to you, "Well, that certainly makes you
more qualified than most, I'd say."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. Perhaps we should speak with Minister
Irillia to arrange some manner of ball to encourage the increase of our city's
population."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You say to Portius, "What an excellent idea."

Zhesle stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Unicron ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "I could work on ideas to present for
it."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal asks, "Perhaps a Masquerade Ball?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I approve."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You say, "Whoever sees her first should speak to her about it."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says to you, "It gives the feeling of
anonymity, while at the same time allowing for mingling."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I could even change out of my work robes
for the occasion."

You nod your head emphatically.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. The minister is unwed, is she not? Do
unwed ladies generally know the others of their kind?"

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I ask because I have often heard that they
are pack creatures."

Unicron looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

(Clan): You say, "Lolll."

(Clan): Unicron says, "I'm...I'm going to die."

You laughingly say, "Well, she and I know each other."

(Clan): Unicron says, "Oh my god I need air."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Indeed. And were you not my cousin, I might
offer a laughably poor attempt at flirtation. But surely the two of you are not
the only unwed women in Hallifax?"

You say, "I'm quite flattered! At times, it does seem so."

You look thoughtful and say, "But there are a few."

You say, "There is... the lady Astrina. Daughter of Marquis Morbo."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. I don't believe we've been introduced."

You say, "However, with the current status of their house, they may not wish any
to be marrying out of the family at this time."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "True. The obvious solution would seem to be
offering romantic overtures to Minister Irillia and following up if she responds
positively and recruiting her to the search if she does not."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You say, "Is the Minister not your cousin?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "She carries the name of Shevat. Beyond that,
the family tree confuses me."

You say, "If you take a closer look at the records, I'm afraid she may be."

You say, "For she is my cousin as well."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "That makes things even more difficult! It
seems that the family trees of our houses are very tangled."

You nod your head emphatically.

You smile and say, "Yes, quite unfortunately so."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "We definitely need a ball. Possibly with
posted genealogies."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You say, "It would be a most efficient way to conduct our matchmaking scheme...
I mean, plan."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "So it must be done. I'm sure Irillia would
have no objections to be volunteered for the task."

You nod your head emphatically.

You say, "I believe she will welcome the idea most graciously.

Amused by the conversation, Symphonist Zhesle says, "The idea of flirting, or
the masqued ball?"

You smile and say, "Either!"

Zhesle smiles softly.

You laughingly say, "Though the first can only go so far, as they are related."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Does nobody just engage in perpetual
flirtation and never marriage?"

You say, "Well."

Symphonist Zhesle smiles and says to Portius, "I believe those who do are deemed
as cads."

You glance askance.

You grin mischievously at Zhesle.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Possibly."

You say, "Well put, comrade."

You have emoted: Zyphora brings out her guild ledger, scanning the logs quickly.

You say, "Hm, I do not see any eligible women that come about often in my guild..."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal peers over your shoulder as you check the
ledger.

A majestic, white stag with alabaster wings trots in from the southwest.

Enyalida inclines her head politely to those around her.

You curtsey gracefully.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Hello, everyone."

With a flourish of his arm, Zhesle bows deeply.

With a flourish of his arm, Portius bows deeply.

Enyalida Zayah says, "How have you, folks of Hallifax, been?"

You say, "Tidings, Voice."

Unicron doffs a crystalline crown of diamond with icosahedral amethysts
cordially.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Fairly well."

You say, "We have been well. Merely conversing about social... obligations."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "And you?"

Enyalida Zayah says, "I am well. Social obligations? Socializing isn't usually
as much fun when it becomes obligatory!"

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You look thoughtful and say, "For some, expansion of the household becomes
something of a duty."

You smile and say, "To what do we owe your fair presence in our city, Lady
Enyalida?"

Enyalida Zayah says, "Ah."

Enyalida puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

You look thoughtful and say, "I am merely curious, as I do not believe I see you
around quite so often in our aerial city."

Enyalida Zayah says, "I suppose I wanted to take a break from my dusty scroll-
work, so I came here."

You nod your head emphatically.

You say, "Excellent."

You say, "Have you any women of marriageable age in your commune, suitable for
this young man?"

Enyalida Zayah says, "Just as you are always welcome to come visit me in the
forest."

You have emoted: Zyphora gestures towards Portius.

Enyalida ponders Portius thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

You say, "He is of intellectual and theatrical repute, having published both a
play and a scholarly work about the effects of harmonics on the growth of fungi."

Symphonist Zhesle looks thoughtful and says, "Was the play about the effects of
harmonics on the growth of fungi too?"

You say, "He lacks an elegant sense of fashion, but we shall educate him soon
enough."

You shake your head at Zhesle.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Fashion is more confusing than fungus, you
see."

Enyalida Zayah says, "I suppose."

Symphonist Zhesle looks thoughtful and says, "That would be... strange."

Enyalida puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

You say, "Ah, the play was a performance of children's stories."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Indeed. It was most enjoyable to write and
perform."

Enyalida Zayah says, "There might be. We might have to have a gathering to find
out, though."

You flash Portius a joyous smile.

You nod your head at Enyalida.

Clapping enthusiastically, Symphonist Zhesle says, "Oh, yes. I like that one!"

You say to Enyalida, "We were briefly musing upon the notion of a ball."

You say to Enyalida, "Perhaps a masquerade, like the Collectivist Ball we had
some years ago."

You look thoughtful and say, "Of course, we shall have to inform our Minister of
Culture of this notion."

You say, "But the present company would like to see this occasion come to
fruition."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It would be most useful for meeting
potential mates as well as for general amusement."

The body of Primus Onenmaru Shevat appears in a flash and his soul descends to
fill it, causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

You nod your head emphatically.

Onenmaru gives a horrified gasp.

You curtsey gracefully before Onenmaru.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Why was I not invited to the party."

Onenmaru doffs an ominous beryl crown cordially.

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.

Symphonist Zhesle asks, "If it is a masqued ball though, how would you know who
you are flirting with?"

Zhesle looks about in confusion.

You say, "It is merely an informal gathering."

Onenmaru tilts his head while gazing at Zhesle, his crystal body flickering
curious shades of light green.

Enyalida Zayah says, "The masks generally are only nicety."

Onenmaru nods his head emphatically.

Symphonist Zhesle says, "Ah."

Enyalida Zayah says, "You can generally tell who it is, even with a good mask."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Unless it's a -really- good mask. What is it..
marauder's?"

Enyalida Zayah says, "And can pretend to not know, as part of the game of
flirting."

Onenmaru hums a happy tune.

Comprehension flashes across your face.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, flirtation also includes bending the
truth! I understand why us scientists are so often bad at it."

Symphonist Zhesle laughingly says, "I was imagining shrouded figures wearing
masks with long noses. I have never been to such a ball!"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Bending the truth is easy."

Enyalida Zayah says, "I wouldn't say that scientists are particularly bad at
bending the truth, either."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "It's getting it back straight that's the issue."

Enyalida nods her head emphatically.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Bah. A scientist should neither lie nor
imply a falsehood."

Enyalida Zayah says, "That does not mean that they do not, or can not."

Enyalida's eyes twinkle enchantingly.

Onenmaru tilts his head while gazing at Portius, his crystal body flickering
curious shades of light green.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "True. But we can try, at least."

You say to Portius, "See, these are the types of socialites you must learn from
by example."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Of course we can lie."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "It's called classification protocol."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "And if I catch you breaking it.."

Enyalida Zayah says, "You sure can."

A wry smile spreads across Enyalida's face.

"Doom..." Onenmaru intones somberly.

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "When you start using big words..."

Dean Unicron n'Lochli, Air Marshal says, "It's easy for us to get lost."

Unicron nods his head sagely.

Onenmaru ponders the situation.

Enyalida Zayah says, "The trouble with trying to pull one over someone else's
eyes, is that if they know the truth the entire time."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Onenmaru, "Ah, but that is not a lie. We
merely refrain from providing information. If we start making things up, on the
other hand, it can become a habit that stops us from finding the truth."

Enyalida Zayah says, "They will be laughing at you, instead of you laughing at
them."

The corners of Onenmaru's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Symphonist Zhesle says, "I believe among the artists, they call it 'creative
license'"

Enyalida Zayah says, "Lies of omission can be just as deadly, or strong."
Onenmaru nods his head emphatically.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Or necessary."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Do you know how old I am, boy?"

A wry smile spreads across Enyalida's face.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Much older than I."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Information is the most important weapon any
society can possess."

Enyalida gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Not a day over 100."

Onenmaru looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Perhaps, you didn't quite understand yet, but it's not
important, really."

You whisper to Portius, "Hsst! No!"

Onenmaru snickers at you.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper whispers to you, "But it's true!"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Now, scientists can lie, but unfortunately, that
seems to be the extent of our charm."

Looking downtrodden, Onenmaru sadly shakes his head.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Apparently."

You whisper to Portius, "No! You must always speak to ladies of import with
compliments."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper whispers to you, "Oh, yes. I shall attempt it."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says to Portius, "Or, learn from our dearly departed
Elostian. Enigmatic silence."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Though, who is to say that youth is necessarily a good
thing?"

Onenmaru taps his nose knowingly.

Symphonist Zhesle asks Onenmaru, "No romances blossomed over the accidental
spilling of a beaker into your neighbor's work station then, no?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Enyalida, "Indeed. Perhaps your age has
brought great wisdom?"

Onenmaru quickly ducks down.

You peer at Portius unscrupulously.

Enyalida gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Great wisdom only comes with great...?"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat smiles impishly and says, "I thought I was bad."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper whispers to you, "No good?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Enyalida, "Experience. With great
experience, which can come from age."

Enyalida Zayah says, "You should say something like: "As young as the spring's
breeze, and just as lovely too!""

You nod your head at Enyalida, showing your acceptance.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Though of course, spring breezes have been blowing since
the seasons began turning."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "I tried that line with Nuella."

Onenmaru looks about himself suspiciously.

Enyalida Zayah says, "You haven't lied, but neither have you offended."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. Your beauty, like that of many fine
trees, is everlasting?"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "She shoved me out of the tree."

Looking downtrodden, Onenmaru sadly shakes his head.

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Portius.

Enyalida puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Enyalida Zayah says, "No, if you're going to reference trees, talk about their
flowers."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Hopefully my skin does not resemble bark."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Well, I was going to use the term evergreen,
but that sounded quite silly in my head."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Evergreen is good."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Your beauty is evergreen?"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "No less vibrant with the turn of the season?"

You have emoted: Zyphora bites her lip to suppress laughter.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Or some variation thereof."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh, that is clever."

The corners of Onenmaru's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

You say to Onenmaru, "You have a way with words, Primus."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says to you, "I blame Isune."

You say, "Others..." She glances askance at Portius. "Might learn from your
example."

Symphonist Zhesle laughingly says to Onenmaru, "How are you still single with
such flatteries?"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says to Zhesle, "I'm not."

Onenmaru looks about himself suspiciously.

Portius gives a pained sigh.

Onenmaru hums a happy tune.

The corners of Zhesle's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Enyalida Zayah says, "Where would you take someone from fair Hallifax on a
date?"

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Moon."

Enyalida ponders the situation.

Onenmaru looks about himself suspiciously.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "I'm biased."

Onenmaru shrugs helplessly.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Perhaps to the theatre? Is it flattering to
compose a play in the honor of a lady and then take her to see it?"

You have emoted: Zyphora raises her eyebrows in impressed surprise.

Enyalida Zayah says, "It could be, yes."

You say to Portius, "That is astonishingly romantic, coming from one as
scientific as you."

Enyalida Zayah says, "I guess the question I meant to ask was: "Provided that
the spot is the main attraction, what would you take your date to go see?""

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I am the librarian, comrade."

You grin mischievously at Portius.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Anywhere but Tryko."

Enyalida gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Lovely place."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Definitely not date material."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Though, nearby is..."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to you, "Besides, writing a play is much
easier than any other way that I can see to please a lady!"

Enyalida Zayah says, "Klangratch's Teapot."

Enyalida Zayah says, "That could be interesting."

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "That cavern underneath the Tree."

Enyalida Zayah says, "And I figure that someone who spends their time here might
appreciate some subterranean beauty."

Onenmaru nods his head emphatically.

With a sigh, you say to Portius, "If only you were not a Windwhisper. You and
the Minister would have been the ideal match."

Onenmaru tilts his head while gazing at you, his crystal body flickering curious
shades of light green.

Primus Onenmaru Shevat says, "Oh, which one. Don't leave me out of the gossip."

You say to Onenmaru, "We were briefly going through the list of productive,
eligible women in the Collective, and Minister Irillia was one of them. Sadly,
she is both the Librarian's and my cousin."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Onenmaru, "I had thought to attempt to win
her favor until that was pointed out to me."

You shake your head.

You say, "Such a pity."

Onenmaru ponders the situation.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I could still write her a play, I suppose.
But I imagine the specialness would suffer if I got the reputation for writing a
play for every lady that I ever meet."

Onenmaru ponders the situation.

You say, "I still think she would appreciate the gesture from a respected
comrade of the Collective."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It's an excuse to write another play, at
any rate. I've been working on one and it does need a dedication."

Enyalida Zayah says, "If you're really clever, you'd write a play that could be
construed to be about any woman."

Enyalida Zayah says, "Though that could also have potentially bad results, if
you can't think quickly on your feet."

Onenmaru looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to Enyalida, "Would that make it reuseable?"