Madeline had finished her sketch of the aquatic elf and was about to voice her thanks to the creature for letting her draw, when a sudden shadow caught her attention. Her usually blank eyes widened as her head tilted curiously as she scrutinized the new arrival, trying to figure out what exactly she was seeing. It was then that the more child-like elf approached it and reached out to pet it. The image was too much for the young artist and Madeline gave an uncharacteristic giggle, "Cute."<br/><br/>Quickly, she sketched the scene roughly. For the first time in a great while, she felt glad to be in such a diverse place.<br/><br/>------------------------------<br/><br/>Odette accepted her tea with a nod of thanks and a smile, "I see. It wouldn't do for the general to be left unwatched then. I shall turn my gaze to him as soon as I return. With a bit of time, we may well have the information you seek."<br/><br/>Her smile turned indulgent as her skill with the arcane was praised, "I believe in such things, we are similar, General Haru. You have, needless to say, piqued my curiosity. You can rest assured that this job will be done properly and with the utmost care. And with that, I must return. I would begin on this job as soon as possible. I thank you again for the tea and hospitality."<br/><br/>She stood from her place and bowed deeply to the superior elf, then vanished in a similar manner to which she had first appeared.<br/>The young witch rematerialized in her office and took a moment to consider her options for the execution of this sensitive request. She could not spy on the general herself; Odette was seldom seen above the basement dungeons where she worked as an interrogator, nor could she send even a member of her topmost tier of her spy network. The black general was far too observant and well-trained to not notice a physical shadow. She could send her own shadow as an incorporeal spy, but that was exhausting to do for any length of time, and there was no telling when useful information about her mark would present itself. A small sigh escaped her lips as an idea came to her. She stood and walked to the window, where a spider had been harmlessly weaving its web. She took the arachnid in her hand with unusual care and began casting a spell.<br/><br/>"You will be my eyes, little one," she murmured as she let the spider free in the halls. Due to her magic, it would follow the general dutifully, spying on his every movement without arousing suspicion. The only problem was that the small being would be crushed underfoot. If that happened, well... The dungeon was full of creeping things for Odette to enslave.