Either drawn by the disapproving eyes of her family, or put off by her own spilling of her soul, Miss Kozlova wrapped up their conversation with a rather uncharacteristic briskness and prepared to make her farewells. Arven understood. He certainly couldn't relate... but he understood.

It was a shame that she made no comment on his suggestion of philanthropy abroad, for he really did think this a viable and realistic path to her dream. But it seemed even this was too much to imagine at the moment. Perhaps the adventurer had been a little too indulgent; but he hoped his encouragements would lead to something good.

Wishing to end their meeting on a light-hearted note, Arven replied with a smile; "if you promise not to tell anyone about my embarrassing mistake with the jaguar."