Whatever the cause of Maia's shyness, she seemed to be over it quickly. Her arms pulled them into a tighter embrace that Celeste found all too pleasant. Fond memories of time spent with Thylda, the alchemist's assistant, came unbidden. She let go of them reluctantly.<br/><br/>"You're welcome," Celeste had said. "Dugald was due for a lesson in manners, in any case."<br/><br/>Meeting Maia's smile, she grinned and accepted the outstretched hand, warm against her own. She had just reached her own feet when a squad of soldiers in chain armor detached themselves from the crowd. In their midst was Governor-General Galadon Albercroft; he had probably been conducting his usual late morning inspection. A long cloak, half blue and half green, bearing the crown and lion of Taldor was fastened about his shoulders, over a white coat patterned with gold swirls. Time had left his head bald and his beard full, and white as his coat. Beside him walked a dark-haired woman in green robes slashed with white; Magus Pasara Legrand, the highest ranked wizard at the outpost.<br/><br/>Any romantic notions vanished as her superiors approached. Celeste dropped into a curtsy. "Governor-General. Magus Legrand."<br/><br/>"Lady Celeste." The governor-general's voice was calm, and soothing. He was not a man of strong passions, as far as Celeste could tell. His command was almost leisurely, even in battle, but he was a skilled tactician and admired by his soldiers. "I understand you've brought us some trouble. As well as a visitor." His brow furrowed as he studied Maia, as if he could not decide what to make of her. "And this is..?"<br/>