<strong>Aeryn Sunlight<br/>The Quartermaster's lair, Point Respite<br/>Quietly talking with Eshalu while the others load up on supplies</strong><br/><br/>"A great deal.  The spider for one.  For another?  The Chapterhouse."  Aeryn slipped an arm around the ranger's waist for a quick hug, held her tight for just a bit longer than she had planned, then released her.  She continued speaking in low tones, but despite the distraction of getting supplies, a<strong>fair</strong>level of alertness from any of the others would<strong>notice</strong>what she was saying to Eshalu.  "Where is the Abbess?  Is there an Abbess?  The House is small, but crucial.  We are not slaves to authority in our hierarchy.  Leaders have been removed by those below them surprisingly often.  But there should not be an empty slot at the top, somebody should be providing direction here, and there is no sign of it."  Aeryn shook her head and stepped away, her fingertips trailing along the Elven woman's back as she did so.