The mage blinked, adjusting her glasses and seeming rather startled. "Oh. Chevis. Hello." She gave the man a small bow, hands folded in the second degree sign of respectful  greetings from triangle town..<br/><br/>"I must say, denouncing yourself was an actual stroke of genius. And such a wonderful piece of Street performance art!"<br/><br/>Fortunately, the meeting was mercifully interrupted by a voice from the water. Alwyn's wave of greetings this time was much more fluid, mimicking the swaying of an undersea plant. Her aquatic allies assured her this was a greeting of genuine respect and pleasure in seeing the other person. "Merfolk Jele! Greetings! I hope your currents are fast and bubbly." More things that her teammates assured her meant well wishes and success.<br/><br/>"I apologise that I have not yet had a chance to meet with you. I also sincerely regret any difficulty Brandy's intransigent behavior has caused you and your people. I also send greetings to the Queen Under the Waves, and trust her envoy will speak highly of me. I would be thrilled to have such an adventures like you on my side. I accept your offer of council and assistance gratefully. "<br/><br/>Unable to resist, she glanced at Chevis, adjusting her glasses again. "How goes the salmon dresses thing?" An unsubtle reminder to Jele that allying with the fashionista might have drawbacks for aquatic types.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>More work on the docks. Her heart yearned to be with Kieri, helping her pact mate in her territory. But the fighting had to be stopped. Nobody should die just because Brandy wanted more than her fair share of things. Never trust someone who would burn down things she couldn't have, so nobody else could have them either.<br/><br/>Despite the urgency, though, only three groups of her minions were working. The orb friends were with her, floating quietly by her side. They seemed dimmer and less quick, spinning slowly in the air. Frequently, Alwyn paused what she was doing, stroking them, talking to the orbs, feeding them little bits of magic and healing.