Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands, Anouk Ardennes, Anais Ardennes, Triage, The white dove of Mercy, 3 Valardin Knights, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Sophie.

Spring softens the stern walls of the Valardin great hall with fragrant boughs of flowers and the delicate servings of a relatively information dinner arranged on tables seldom used for food. The dining room is out of commission: spring cleaning. Definitely has nothing to do with any sort of room-based confusion. S p r i n g. C l e a n i n g.

The last of the glasses are just being set on the table now as Zara enters. She sheds her cloak into the hands of one of her attendants and then turns to greet those who have already arrived, and those who have yet to come. She looks as though she's had an outbreak of spring herself: pink, feathers, with a slither of the Oathlands in the draconic jewelry she wears, and -- of course -- her ring. The reserve of her expression is softened somewhat, for family and friends, into something warmer. Gentled, much like the stern hall. "Be welcome," she says, "and please have a seat."

Alis is at least not wearing a full set of plate, and unfortunately that may be as fancy as it gets for Alis. "I'm impressed with the speed in which you organized a dinner, Zara. Thank you! Thank you more for not having it in /that/ room." The last few words are murmured quietly as she wanders in to find herself a seat.

The majestic air of the Vow hushes Caius' voice as he enters, dropping from normal tones to something a bit more respectful as he addresses the petite princess that accompanies him. "Thank you for joining us this evening. I know a sit down was on offer, but why not in the heart of the Valardin manor with some good company?" A smile cracks the tall prince's beard at the words, leading the way to where the Valardin princesses are gathered. "Good evening!" There's a lift to his voice as he greets Zara and Alis, a touch of hand to heart as he offers a dip of his head.

Sophie's been rather scarce in the Valardin Manor since she took vows, but she breezes in like she still lives here with a warm smile for those she passes. One hand is buried in the pocket of her robes and the other carries the lantern she's taken to carrying all the time. She blinks once indoors to allow her eyes time to adjust to the lighting and she steps further inside, making her way to Alis and smiling brightly. "Cousin! It's been far too long!" Then a smile is turned in Zara's direction and she says, "It's delightful... amazing what you've done with this room. Thank you for arranging this dinner."

Isidora enters her usual quiet self. She has regained her prepregnancy form. Her head bows to her family before she takes a seat and waits for the meeting to start.

Alis holds out her arms to offer Sophie a hug, smile turning bright at seeing her cousin. "I'mso glad you came, Sophie. We never have time to catch up." To Caius she dips her head, as well as Fecundo and Isidora and then Lark. "Your Highness. Be welcome to our home; Princess Zara has done an amazing job putting this all together hasn't she?"

"It was selfishly motivated," Zara says to Alis, humor lighting her gaze in her sober features. "I was in Sanctum just long enough that I began to fear I might have forgotten what people look like." Lark is afforded a, "Your highness, welcome," while family gets a more familiar, "Caius, Sophie -- it's good to see you. Isidora, you look well." She might have studied names and faces. She seats herself at the table with a gesture to the boughs arranged just above line of sight, and trailing greenery to obscure sharp corners and stern walls. "I do little; spring does much. How are things with the Mercies?"

Following not far behind Isidora, Fecundo waits for her to sit before placing his hands on her shoulders, leans to kiss her cheek and then settles beside her, "I don't believe I have been in this room until now." He smiles to Sophie and Zara and returns Alis' nod. He pauses a moment, "Princess Alis...I may have a matter to speak to you about later in or following the dinner." He looks to Zara, "This does look very nice."

Princess Lark Grayson, once High Lord of the Crownlands and Regent of the Compact, is dressed in a plain gown of charcoal grey, her blonde curls captured by a stygian circlet. She walks carefully beside Caius as she enters the Vow, her ink-dark eyes lifted beneath ash-blonde lashes to study the man as he offers his thanks. "Of course. It has been some time since I have visited the Valardin manor in the city. The grounds have always been beautiful," she replies simply, tipping her chin. As Zara addresses her, her gaze draws away from Caius to the other princess. "Your highness, good evening. Thank you."

Isidora looks at Fecundo her expression softening slightly. "I don't think I have either." She commented back before looking around the room again. "The boys are with the nannies ..." She informs him needlessly.

Sophie happily sinks into Alis' hug, squeezing her fondly. "Soon.. we should make it a point to catch up soon." Then she turns and grins at Isidora, "Our newest Mercy!" She turns around to Alis, Zara, and Caius and chirps happily, "Have you heard that Isidora jointed the Mercies? I'm so delighted." Then she nods her head and says, "Excuse me.." She turns and makes her way to Isidora, offering her the same warm hug she previously gave Alis. Sophie sinks into the chair nearest Isidora and she leans in to whisper to her.

"It is indeed wonderfully arranged," Caius responds as he moves to join the others at the table. "I had been looking forward to the dinner for the same reason, Zara." At Sophie's proclamation, he shakes his head, "I had not heard. That is wonderful news. Congratulations on the appointment."

"Congratulations, Isidora. Another reason for the family to be proud." Alis smiles warmly towards the newest Mercy, as she settles more comfortably and tilts a wineglass towards one of the servers that has the family favorites memorized. "Feel free to fill me in over dinner, Prince Fecundo, if that's alright? I've become deluged with meetings and messages these past few weeks and cannot for the life of me understand how someone can possibly have enough time in the day for all of it."

Lark is quietly observing as she moves to claim a chair beside Caius, settling herself with a sense of purpose even in these simple movements. Her ink-dark gaze lifts to Sophie and Isidora at the news.

"I hadn't heard -- yet I'm not surprised." Zara bows her head to Isidora: "Congratulations. May you ever walk in Lagoma's light, Isidora. How are the boys?" Seated, she lifts a glass of fruit-scented water, and gives Alis a sidelong glance. "I shudder to imagine, honestly. Will you be returning to the Oathlands to deal with any of the pressing issues?"

A smile is offered to Isidora, "I stopped by our suite and saw. Was not sure if I was late from my meeting or not." He smiles as Sophie sits on the other side of Isidora and looks back to offer Lark a soft bow of his head, "Princess Grayson...welcome." At Alis' ask, he pauses, "The matter may be of a more sensitive nature...and includes a request."

Isidora thinks for a bit. "Thank you for your well wishes." She pauses before adding. "The boys are healthy for the most part. Something to watch when one of them grows older, yet he is strong in mind and personality."

"There is certainly no end to the goings-on of the Oathlands, let alone the Compact," Caius offers in response to Alis, lifting a hand to draw a server for his own wine as well. "How goes the work of the Mercies? I imagine it is as much a challenging time for them as well."

"No doubt I will be, yes." Alis admits to Zara. "Duke Telmar and Duke Laurent have the matters of High Hill and Acorn Hill well in hand, but there are other challenges that need addressing as well. I may as well make myself useful, yes? Beyond just sitting at meeting tables." Inaction obviously bothers her tremendously, the frustration showing in her expression even if her voice is mellow. "As you wish then, of course." is murmured to Fecundo.

"Oh? The Mercies?" Sophie looks up as Caius mentions them and she smiles brightly, "We're busy, true, but doing quite well. Quite a bit of excitement yesterday after the wall collapse, but they're all doing well, stabilized and off to their own homes to recooperate." She grins and says, "Even before they were ready, but you know two of them are my cousins. Is it all that surprising that they'd be stubborn?"

"Thank you for the suggestion to speak with the Marquis and Marquessa of Oakhaven, speaking of," Zara says with a nod to Alis. "I spoke with them just the other day and was struck again by the depth of their commitment to the Faith. I'll be working with them on Beaucage." Which -- draws her attention back to Sophie, head lifting. "I heard the Marquessa was caught in that. She'll recover? Any word on what caused it to collapse?"

"I imagine it is harder to keep still when one is used to action. I am grateful to be able to aid Duke Telmar at High Hill." Caius slips into a quiet moment of thoughtfulness before his attention is tugged back to the present at Sophie's words, "It is good to hear things are well with the Mercies. It is important work." At the mention of stubborn cousins, hazel eyes sparkle, "I am quite sure I know of no stubborn Valardins. A breed of perfectly amenable folk."

Lark's gaze slides to Zara as she speaks of the wall, lingering there a moment in study as she takes a sip of her glass after it is filled by a dutiful servant. She seems interested in the answer, as well.

Isidora murmurs a bit to Sophie before she rests her head on Fecundo's shoulder. It was tiring to be a new mom.

"I have no idea what Sophie means by stubborn cousins either. Honestly, Sophie." Alis keeps a perfectly straight face at that, before nodding at both Caius and Zara for their comments. "I'm glad to hear you've made a connection with them. And indeed, yes, how /is/ the Marquessa doing after the collapsed wall? If you need any burly guards to make sure she doesn't try getting up and on her feet before she ought to, just send word."

Sophie's lips screw up slightly and she tilts her head to look at Zara before saying, "She is well enough. They were all injured terribly, but their wounds are cared for and we're just watching them for the time being." She seems to consider her answer for a while before she answers the rest, "The storm, I suppose. Might be best to ask someone who was there what happened." Then she very quickly changes the subject as she turns her attention toward the talk of Highhill, "I was wondering if anyone has been back there since we left, Highhill that is. Does it remain safe, I wonder?"

"I know that many years ago, my cousin, Princess Dawn Grayson, made mention of looking to repair those walls. I'm not sure that any such repairs ever happened, to my recollection," Lark offers as Sophie brings up the storm, tipping her chin at the possibility.

Fecundo slides an arm around Isidora's shoulders as she leans her head on his. He takes a moment to listen to the others at the table for the time being, though does nod softly to Alis.

A pause, before Lark adds, "It is in a marriage contract that we hold with Gemecitta."

"I didn't make it far from Sanctum before I returned to Arx," Zara says to Sophie, thoughtful as she looks around the table. "Although that does remind me: Alis remarked that I was quick to organize this, and that's true, I was. I saw little reason to hesitate, because I will tell you plainly that I hope to raise Valardin's stature among the peerage, through this and other matters. I would ask your help, if you can spare your voices and your time. I was surprised to return to the city and find -- not that anyone thinks poorly of Valardin, but they simply weren't thinking at all."

Zara is overheard praising Valardin.

Caius studies Sophie as the answer is given a considered moment, an eyebrow arching briefly, "Ill fortune it was, then. I am thankful that injury did not lead to death." As the conversation is turned back to the Oathlands, the bearded Valardin says, "We go to investigate that question and hopefully find answers." A small drink is taken from his wine, his tall posture straight-backed in his chair as he comments to Zara, "It is a welcomed effort, I am sure. Such things can more easily fall to the side given other concerns. I know I am not as careful about it as I should be."

"I'm afraid with all of the... issues, that have occured over the past several years, that our social standing hasn't been at the forefront of our minds. Neither Prince Edain or I are posessed of that skill set. We've focused on martial pursuits. So really, just tell me what you need me to do and I will gladly lend my time or voice to it if it will help." Alis promises, a wry smile offered to Zara. "I'm glad you've stepped up to take care of those important matters for us."

Caius is overheard praising Valardin.

"You've other gifts, Alis -- gifts for which we've had frequent cause to be grateful. This is my gift, and how I serve. You are welcome, of course -- but also, it's my duty." Zara bows her head to Alis -- then lifts it, a mark of humor in her dark, dark eyes. "I'll just send you the bill."

"This is why we produce such large broods," murmurs Lark as she lifts her wine to her lips, a hint of dry humor there. "So that there will always be someone who has the appropriate skills for the appropriate situations."

Isidora looks at Alis. "What skills are you looking for?"

"Duty takes many forms. I follow the more traditional martial path as well, but I certainly recognize the value in the skills you bring to bear for Valardin, Zara." Caius dips is head in Zara's direction, but Larks words tug a small laugh from him, "I do not think we are few, but duty, knighthood and tradition are paraded before all of us while still in the womb. It is a wonder we are not all born in plate."

"Oh, are you not?" Lark asks without skipping a beat, surprise written in the words as her ink-dark gaze lifts to Caius.

Alis makes a very overly dramatic wince at that. "Noooo, not the /bill/." she wheezes, a bit of laughter entering her tone at that. "Hah! Isn't that the truth." A tip of the glass toward Lark. "Social skills, Princess Isidora. Diplomacy, Empathy, Charm - the ability to organize social events, and promote the family name. Perhaps you and Zara would do well putting your heads together to come up with some events for us."

Alis snorts a little. "Pretty sure some of us sleep in our plate, even if we weren't born in it!"

Isidora blinks at Alis. "I am a physician not known much for my personality." Isidora states simply before adding. "I am hosting an event for Lagoma on behalf of the Mercies ... I can add in Valardin as well. The cost is a 30,000 silver donation."

Something in Lark has softened in the time since the mantle of High Lord of the Crownlands has lifted from her, since she spent the last months, years, in Bastion. She exhales a breath of laughter at Alis's answer, one rarely heard, nodding to the Voice of Valardin.

"I'd be pleased to work with you," Zara says, tilting her head to Isidora. "Perhaps there's something that we could do with your having joined the Mercies--." Then her words catch behind her teeth as Isidora proves herself ahead a march. Her eyes narrow in what passes for a smile. "Perhaps we could do something here, as well, with the Mother Mercy's blessing. A chapel service can be a nice change from a shrine."

"Touche." Caius gives a bow of his head at the rejoinder from Lark, a glance about at some of the plate clad decor of the Vow punctuating her words. "Diplomacy. Empathy. Charm. I feel as though I am back in the education of my youth with my tutors listing my many failings." The words are spokeny airily, however, a smile still lingering about his lips, "I can put a terrific shine on a sword. Surely that counts for something?"

Fecundo hmms softly and tilts his head to Alis, "Where might you need a diplomat? Born to the sword, but I've done a bit of diplomacy in my time." He smiles a little to Isidora and then back to Zara curiously.

"I admit I would rather numbers than diplomacy and charm, as well. That is why I have taken the Softest Whisper Gianna as a protege, to make up for my own flaws," Lark says lightly to the table, perhaps to Alis and Caius where they admit their own lack as well.

Alis dips her head in ready agreement towards Isidora. "Send me a messenger later to remind me? I'll send the silver right away." she agrees. "At this moment, Prince Fecundo... absolutely everywhere, it seems. But no, things are calming down a little. And Zara is helping the Keatons with the Beaucage matter. If tension flares again at the Northern Border I have no doubt we could put your skills to use."

Ektor, Basil, Sweet Lamb of Delight and Bouncy Hops, Creme Brulee, A roan Oathlands Vanner of prestigious calm, Torrence, lady-in-waiting arrive, following Marisol.

Creme Brulee, A roan Oathlands Vanner of prestigious calm have been dismissed.

Basil, Sweet Lamb of Delight and Bouncy Hops have been dismissed.

"I will, of course, do what I can to assist, of course." Sophie smiles as she nods toward Isidora, "Where Mercy matters are involved Isidora would be better suited to that, I believe, at least as the public face of such involvements."

Isidora looks curious at Sophie. "Why do you think that?"

"Very wise, your highness," Zara says to Lark. "She's remarkably talented. I met her just the other day. The gown she wore -- absolutely stunning," she says in a second-degree compliment. Looking over at Fecundo, Zara says, "Even if there is nothing you might immediately apply yourself to, even lifting the family's visibility in small matters can have an outsized impact. I would again encourage any of you who can to take the time to speak well of the family where you can. And there's always work to be done. I know it is our way as Valardin to dedicate ourselves to many causes, but I have been reminding myself of the importance of family as a cause."

Lark is overheard praising Valardin: For all that they are not born in plate, they still are gracious hosts.

"Ah, a protege. I have made contact with a Whisper myself, but no fruit has yet been born from the effort. It would certainly make some activities easier for certain." Caius leans back slightly in his chair, drinking from his wine once more, "You have an admirably singular focus, Zara. A focus I can certainly support at that. Do you have a particular application of skills you wish to use, Prince Fecundo?"

Alis is overheard praising Valardin: Sometimes, we CAN party. Mildly.

Isidora is overheard praising Valardin.

Sophie says quietly to Isidora, "I've only recently taken vows. I can't give anyone the idea that I didn't take them seriously. I've already been questioned about the Valardin guards instead of templars, a matter I was hoping to discuss with Isabeau tonight." Sophie smiles and she leans into Isidora before saying, "I'll help you though, in every way possible."

Isidora just looks at Sophie. "Me the face of something. We are all doomed."

Sophie is overheard praising Valardin: How delightful of a family dinner. I've missed my cousins since moving out of the Valardin Manor.

"We still protect our own, Sophie. And considering the threats that had been made against the bloodline you continue to be at risk. Surely they can't object that much to Valardin Guards. Would a donation to the Faith calm some of the chatter?" Alis wonders, sounding concerned.

Fecundo glances over to Caius and smiles, "Well...that's hard to say. Like I said...the sword is definitely not unfamiliar to me, though I have lately been looking to work more with diplomacy and charm, seeing how to change things that way instead of with force."

Lark's gaze slides to Sophie at Alis' question, her own interest turned to the Mother Mercy for the moment.

"I'm a terrible teacher, but I'm always happy to discuss such matters, as colleagues," Zara says to Fecundo, her eyes narrowed with the warmth of shared interests. "I know it's an unpopular opinion at this table, with swords near every hand, but I think if you avoid a fight, you've already won it."

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Isidora tilts her head from side to side. "Sophie tell them that it is part of our devotion to the gods. The least we can do is protect the mother mercy."

Sophie shakes her head at Alis, "It's under control. I have simply been blaming Isabeau. She's a terribly overprotective older sister, you know. I'd dismiss the guards myself.. but it would vex her far too much, so I tolerate being followed around by them so that she might focus on playing with little Sophia." Those words are followed by a sheepish little grin. "There's no need to worry, Alis. The matter is well in hand."

"Vows are certainly sacred and it says much that you put your words where your faith was and dedicated yourself to Lagoma and the Mercies." Caius gives an approving nod at Alis' sentiment, "Not all are as respectful of the sanctity of vows given to the gods. It seems a prudent precaution." Zara's focused response to Fecundo turns his lips toward a more wry smile, "It is not unpopular, Zara. It is just that everything looks like a nail when all you've got is a hammer."

Alis appears quite relieved at that. "If you're certain. You also have a very overprotective cousin who insists on your being guarded as well." she points out, in case further people to blame are needed. "War and violence should be a last resort." she perhaps surprisingly agrees with Zara, then. "But if martial confrontation is necessary, I like knowing exactly how to wage it, that

"It's a hammer honorably wielded," Zara says with a salute of her glass to Caius. She watches the exchange between Sophie and the others with a lingering touch of humor, and gives a satisfied nod when Sophie promises the matter settled. "I like knowing it's waged _well_ -- and that's why I leave it to others, and stand on the sidelines, carrying the banner very supportively."

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight have been dismissed.

Laurene, a military adjutant have been dismissed.

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

"I understand. I only wondered if there were skills you felt most comfortable applying in service to Valardin. Not to limit your options." Caius gestures toward Zara and Lark, "For instance, when I think of my own attempts at growth, I hold my ideal of diplomacy and finance with Zara and Princess Lark respectively. I hope to be at least passable in each, though I try to lean into my own strengths as well."

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.


Late. Marisol is late for a very important date and the young Princess slips into the Vow - or rather tries to slip in going unseen. Likely not a thing considering everyone has moved to conversing. The look she offers Zara is an apologetic one with a mouthed 'forgive me'. Offering nods to any who look her way she slips closer to Zara and slides slowly into a seat not far away, smoothing her lavender brocade.


Lark is overheard praising Valardin.

2 Grayson House Guards leaves, following Lark.

While not necessarily given to large displays, Zara reaches for Marisol to press her arm in a warm clasp as she sits. "Congratulations on finding your way free of the scrolls," she teases in an undertone that doesn't carry far beyond them. "That gown is lovely. Is it new? Very springy. I love the colors. I've some brocade of my own that's awaiting inspiration."

Caius looks to Marisol as she settles near Zara, the younger Valardin getting a moment of inspection before recognition at the familiarity with her older sister. "Princess Marisol? You were--" his hand approximates a shrinking motion, shifting from his own shoulder level down, "Ah, my apologies. It has been some time now. I'm sure you didn't need me to tell you you've gotten older."

Rosario makes her way to Sophie and leans in to whisper in Sophie's ear. Sophie nods and then moves to stand. "I really must be going. Thank you, Zara... for planning this. I do hope we can do this more often. I miss you all, now that I'm no longer living here." She smiles to Isidora, and then the others present. "Do come visit me, each of you, if you wish."

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands, Anouk Ardennes, Anais Ardennes, Triage, The white dove of Mercy, 3 Valardin Knights, 1 Templar Knight guards leave, following Sophie.


Marisol gives Zara a winning smile as her arm is clasped. There is a faint bashful look on her face, "Yes, yes, I got caught up in my missives and lost track of time. Do forgive me," she begs of her sister. "I feel like I have missed a great deal of the gathering.." she intones. Which she has. "It is..it is my own design brought to life by very talented crafters. If you would like, I would be glad to design yours as well." The offer given, Marisol reaches to give Zara's hand a squeeze before her attention shifts to Caius, a dark brow arching over a honey colored eye. "Yes?" She pauses and then smiles all the more. "It is nice to be reminded nonetheless, Prince Caius," she intones. "I trust you have been well?" Her question is left for the moment as she looks to Sophie and nods her head, "I will do so, I am sorry to have missed you."


One of the house staff comes to speak to Fecundo and he nods and leans to kiss Isidora, "Something I have to take care of, love. Talk to you later tonight." He looks to the other, "Nice to speak with you all....have a good eve."

"You missed a bit," Zara tells Marisol, honest rather than skipping to the white lie, "but nothing that can't easily be fixed next time by my sending someone to dig you out. I had a conversation the other day that very much made me miss you and your legal mind. There are some thorny legal issues at play in the Oathlands. You're well?"

"A pleasant evening to you Mother Mercy, Prince Fecundo." Caius offers the departing pair, a quiet comment directed Lark's way before he responds to the smiling Marisol. "Much better this evening. It is nice to dine and reconnect with family here. Sanctum certainly has its own appeal, but this will certainly do for me." As Zara speak to her younger sister, "Are we not only developing a social presence, but also legal expertise within our family?"


"I will trust you to schedule someone to come looking for me when I go missing," Marisol remarks in some good humor to Zara. As the others leaves she nods her head to the, looking perhaps a touch guilty for missing the main event. Her gaze slides back to Zara and Caius, "I am well, thank you. Just overextending myself. Bu what is this bout a thorny situation?" She questions before she cants her head attentions towards Caius. "I am mentoring beneath Lord Alessandro Greenmarch. I am hoping to continue my studies into the coming year and shadow the magistrate," she explains before stopping a server to ask for tea.


"Marquis Kael and Marquessa Reigna Keaton are working with Duke Laurent in addressing the issue of their fellow vassal house, Beaucage. The legal complications there are -- not insignificant. I would encourage you to speak with Marquessa Reigna about them. She may have use for you," Zara says to Marisol. "But I don't wish to overstep myself. You should speak first with them."

Isidora stands, "Well I should get back to the boys. I'm sure they will be hungry by now." Isidora bows her head at her family. "You all have a good night."

"Good evening, Isidora. It was good to speak with you," Zara says, nodding to her as she stands to depart.

"That is most excellent news! Shadowing a magistrate will surely grant a wealth of experience." Caius lifts his wine glass in Marisol's direction, a friendly salute before taking a drink. "I had some small correspondence with Duke Laurent over the matter and, while nothing was said in detail, I did get the impression that it was a somewhat fraught undertaking." As Isidora prepares to leave, the bearded prince says, "A good evening to you."

Skiftfeather - an Elegant Snowy Owl, Morigan Bradshaw - Nurse and Doctor in Training, Fayre Wyrmfang - Excitable Champion, 1 Valardin Knights, Jaibrian - Oathlands Vanner leave, following Isidora.


"Well I will reach out, I am familiar with them all so hopefully all will be well," Marisol considers. "I will merely say you thought i might be of aid and leave it at that," she says to Zara. Dipping her chin gracefully to Caius she looks thoughtfully across at her sister. "The matter we spoke of the other day. Should be moving forward soon, I believe. Regarding Bisland. Or so I am given to understand." Tea cup set before her clatters a bit and she reaches out to set honey into the libation and begins to sip fro the contents with a sigh. Sitting back she looks a little drawn in that moment.


Zara has left the Honor Table.

Elena, a solemn knight attache have been dismissed.

Alette, a discreet lady's maid have been dismissed.

Isabel, a calm diplomatic aide have been dismissed.

Elena, a solemn knight attache have been dismissed.

Alette, a discreet lady's maid have been dismissed.

Isabel, a calm diplomatic aide have been dismissed.

"You are absolutely going to have to tell me more about that," Zara says, her eyes lively with all the questions she's dying to ask -- but will save for another day. For now -- "Excuse me, I think they need help--." And off she goes.