<strong>Eshalu, still in the Chapterhouse's Chapel</strong><br/><br/>The sudden din of the clanging bells interrupted examination of her surroundings. She heard a distant voice resounding under the metallic ringing, but struggled to make out the words. The distinctive accent of humans in this part of the world was the source of endless confusion.<br/><br/>She peered at the pale high-status woman, and her darker-haired companion. Eshalu had already identified the human woman who had called herself Lazarette to be a leader. At least, her dress and body language suggested this. The dark haired woman whose name was Lyra seemed submissive, deferential. Perhaps a lower-status female bound by a vow to relinquish her freedom in exchange for small metal disks, or 'work' in Aeryn's own words. Or a junior clan member. The nature of their relationship eluded Eshalu. She had learned to depend on Aeryn to explain the intricacies of human courtship and social etiquette.<br/><br/>Perhaps they, or Aeryn, would be able to make some sense of what was happening. Eshalu herself could see no reason for the infernal noise that reverberated in the air.