'No, that's quite alright, I don't mind,' a female voice called back through the door. Relief momentarily bloomed within the heart of the Condos Rose as these words greeted her, for she had feared that she might be unwelcome. It seemed, however, that Nethis was not a reasonable being, and wished to embrace the friendly spirit of the celebrations.

The door opened, and Ophelia caught a brief glimpse of the room within.
It was decidedly simple, a testament to the character of her hostess. The room was nearly bare, with a kline in the resting against one wall and shelves adorning another. Those shelves were stacked with parchment and ink rather than ornamental trinkets. Maps of various Thanassi holdings lined a third wall, pinned in plain sight of the desk at which she supposed Nethis had been seated only moments ago, tending to important business.

Had the Thanassi not approached from within, Ophelia might have wrongly assumed that the study belonged to a man, for it lacked a feminine touch. Ophelia herself could never bear to work in such a barren space, but she knew that some found clutter distracting. Perhaps to Nethis, the things Ophelia might call knick-knacks might be renamed clutter. To each their own, she supposed. This home was not her own, after all, and so she was in no position to judge it.

She made no move to enter, remaining where was she was, for Nethis had not invited her to do so. Having come her uninvited already, she had no intention of making any further presumptions.

'Only -- ' for the first time, Ophelia took in the eldest daughter of Dionysos in all her splendour. She truly was as lovely as they said; more-so, even. Her lips were red as blood, her skin in possession of almost otherworldly glow. Her eyes were lined with kohl, in the Egyptian fashion. Ophelia was uncertain what to make of this, for it was uncommon even for the ladies of Taengea to paint their faces more than subtly unless there was occasion to do so. The only women she had seen do otherwise were streetwalkers, emboldening their lips and eyes to catch the attention of potential clients. Still, she had to admit that the daring look gave the Colchan cobress a fierce sort of beauty that could not be denied; deadly, alluring, seductive.

She watched as the Lady shifted some papers on her desk, bidding her permit that the meeting take place in another room, for this one was -- as the Taengean had suspected -- intended for business alone. The only comfortable chair was the kline behind her. Of course, Ophelia would not wish to rob Nethis of her comfort by claiming the only decent seat, so she gave a gracious nod.
"Of course, My Lady. I would be more than happy to oblige. I am sorry to have intruded upon your private study."

'My Lady -- ' the servant, of whom she had become rather fond, began to speak. There was a hesitancy to his voice that she had not heard when he had spoken with her or her own staff. Nethis grew instantly cold, slicing through his entreaty like a blade. Ophelia's heart leaped into her throat as she glanced from mistress to servant. Nethis was ordering that wine be brought, but that he not be the one to bring it. Again it seemed that he would speak, but he held his tongue. Ophelia's heart ached for him. This was all her fault. Nethis must have lied when she had said that Ophelia's intrusion was no bother, and now she would blame this poor man.

I will get his name, she vowed. I will get his name and employ him myself; I will bring him back to Teangea.

Comforting herself with this thought, she smiled softly at the man as he left. He did not see. She tried to catch his eye, but he kept his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, like a child chastised by a tutor.

Silence lingered in his wake. Ophelia dared not breathe, lest she make known her disgust. Fearing her expression might give her away, she hurriedly smoothed her features into a mask of utter equanimity, listening quietly to Nethis's explanation. They were thinly staffed, mistakes were made. Mistakes like her being permitted entry into the Thanassi house? Was Nethis implying that she was a mistake? Was that her idea of an appropriate thing to say to a guest?

Nevertheless, Ophelia offered a charming smile, ever the patient and benevolent guest.

"I quite understand the troubles that being thinly staffed can bring, My Lady. I do apologize once more for the inconvenience. Had I known that this room was so sacred to you, I would have insisted on awaiting your answer in the entrance hall. But I thought it only proper that I meet Mihail's sister, since my path has crossed with that of your brother on several occasions now, and what better time to make a new acquaintance -- perhaps even a friend -- than at a festival promoting the peace between our fine kingdoms?"

She kept easy pace with Nethis as they traversed the labyrinthine corridors, beaming in response to her question. "It has been most wonderful to see my sister again, and my parents-in-law are most benevolent," she hesitated momentarily, wondering whether or not Nethis had ever been unfortunate enough to cross Mikael's path. "Mikael is...Mikael," she punctuated the statement with a laugh, hoping to take any sting or scandal out of those words with her easy smile, "but the children are charming, and Fotos is, as usual, a beacon of hospitality. I understand you have opened your doors to the Marikas family. Lord Panos is fierce, is he not?" she winked at her newest acquaintance, deciding for now to forget the incident with the servant. Nethis may have simply been startled to find an uninvited guest in such close proximity to her private chamber. She might regret speaking harshly to him later and attempt to make amends. Perhaps the girl had simply panicked, fearing what Ophelia would make of her simple room, and had in haste taken out her frustration on the nearest available source. Everyone made mistakes, that was what second chances were for. She and Nethis may well still be friends. "I greatly admire all those families who have been selfless enough to open their doors, and their hearts, in honour of this festival. I will admit though that I would be most intimidated having Master Panos under my roof. You are very brave, Your Ladyship."

Her eyes lit up as Nethis made her second enquiry. She was more than eager to speak of her visit to Colchis. "Oh, I love it here!" she exclaimed. "The people have been very welcoming. The Priestesses were most pleased with my offers to Artemis, and your seafood is delicious," the Teangean grinned. "Actually, on the subject of Colchis, I have been meaning to travel to Arcanaes. Have you ever been there yourself? Is the goldsmithery as impressive as they say? I should like very much to purchase some gifts for my friends back home, one friend in particular."

She spoke of her secret love, Evanthe. She had no intention of taking Evanthe to Arcanaes, for there would commission a jeweler of great skill to craft a unique piece for her. It would be nothing that would mark Eva as her obvious lover, but it would be, nevertheless, a token of affection, and with a confession of love she would present it to her dearest one and entreat her to wear it always.