While Galla is gone, Catulus moves to stand by Sibyl and Sthenae, looking grave but, above all, pensive.  His fingertips - once rough, but now sanded with dense years of leisurely living - slide their quartz across the backs of both woman's hands.  He seems to search for something amid the arches of the alcoves and the seams of the boards on the floor.<br/><br/>He says one thing the entire time: "Verona.  Take the rest of the staff shopping for a proper dinner."<br/><br/>She does, after serving Dionysios both a smile and a jug of wine, and even Lop Dan and Marissa don't dare to trouble the silence Catulus presides over with a protest.<br/><br/>When they are gone and Dionysios arrived, Catulus strolls back to the bar.  His fingertip traces its rim, where a chance toss of the chains chipped a splinter into relief.  With regular strokes and careful observation, he does what he can to stroke it down, back into place, whole again.<br/><br/>"We may have been misled."  Catulus lifts his gray eyes and brushes them over Dionysios.  "Understand that I was recommended her, quite highly, by a trusted source.  A woman, who not only fought alongside Galla and professed to know her character well, but someone who has been insightful indeed in ... past affairs."<br/><br/>Catulus pivots to face the Heroes, placing his hands on the bar.  His toga drapes him loosely; his features are loose as well - idle around a charged and busy stare.  "She said that Galla would be not only a dedicated and proficient woman, but that she would be ... affectionate to our cause as well: Protecting others, that is.  She said, 'never have I seen loveliness in more loyal a form, or loyalty made seem so lovely."<br/><br/>His eyebrows lift dubiously and he rights himself.  "We shall see.  But my initial intent that she play confidant, confederate and companion to warm whatever beds of yours felt cold ... well ...<br/><br/>"I need to speak with<em>Myrine</em>." Catulus resolves grimly.  Flashing his eyes about, he notes, "Heroes, I expect there will be no problem handling our confused and contentious captive, but I strongly urge you to try to settle her soon.  These are precarious and dire times, and we can ill afford a problem within our own ranks.  If not mended entirely, we at least need the wound stitched."<br/><br/>Reaching behind the bar, he fetches up scrolls and sets them on the counter.<br/><br/>"These are profiles on our quarry.  I will review them with you later, but they are there for you to peruse should you be inclined.  For now..." Catulus strolls to the upper stairs, leading to the summit of the limestone fort.  "...I need to find out why our new house cat has instead proven a rabid tiger."<br/><br/>With that, he departs, a minute before Galla arrives.