Elspeth comes to the castle

[Elspeth]

Lady Elspeth rides through the city on a black mare that dissolves into a cloud of black butterflies when she dismounts at the gates of Castle Argent. She informs whatever servant comes to greet her that she has come to speak with their lady.

[Anna-Sophia]

The majordomo welcomes Lady Elspeth and shows her to a comfortable sitting room to wait while he notifies Lady Anna-Sophia of her visitor. A maid brings in tea, coffee and a selection of fresh cookies. It is not long before the clatter of heels on parquet is heard and a smiling Anna-Sophia sweeps in.

"My Lady Elspeth! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here today?"

[Elspeth]

Elspeth pours tea while she waits, and crumbles part of a cookie to feed to Nym.

She rises as Anna-Sophia enters and returns her smile.
"My Lady Anna-Sophia, it's a delight to see you looking so well! There were a few matters I wished to discuss with you, and I could think of no better excuse to visit your lovely home."

[Anna-Sophia]

"Well, you are always welcome here; I am always delighted to see you." Anna-Sophia helps herself to tea and a lemon cookie, and sits back. "What is on your mind, my dear lady?"
"

[Elspeth]

Elspeth seats herself and picks up her tea cup.
"A few things. I wanted to mention that it is my intention to have Doyle's rod, the one Lord Garvis broke, repaired. After which it is my intention to offer it to you, if you wish it."

"As well I cannot recall if I told you before, but Doyle implied that it might be possible to renew access to the Near Dreaming of Half Moon Bay without untethering Byzantium. I am not certain, that will require further investigation. But I must ask whether it is your wish to go through with trying to trap the magus you and I spoke of trapping in order that he undo his spell, or if it would be acceptable to use the other method, which would contribute to the aforementioned renewed access."

Elspeth's voice is smooth and natural, but there is something drawn and distracted in her aspect even as she speaks.