The maid by her side follows, silent but present nonetheless.

Aria stops at the conservative table and curtseys. "Your Grace of Brambles." 

Corvina curtseys as well, more quickly this time.

Indigo looks up. "Her Excellency Roscente is recognized." He picks up his sandwich and takes a bite.

"May I present to you Ms. Corvina Quill?" 

Indigo closes his eyes for a moment. "You may."

He looks over and focuses in on Corvina. "I must say, tales of the young woman with the incredible test scores are circulating all around the academy. It is said that magic is the birthright of the nobility; then you, my dear, must be noble in spirit. Welcome to the Academy." He inclines his head slightly. "How is your schooling treating you so far?"

"Complexly, mi- Your Grace." 

"I can't imagine the Academy is natural to a common-born woman, no. Still, it is always possible to learn." He looks back at Aria. "So it is good you have found a teacher able to guide you."

"Her Grace of Thorns wishes to send her regards, and has expressed an interest in sponsoring Ms. Quill's further education."

"I see. May it do much good for Ms. Quill in the coming years." 

He waves them away. "You may go about your business." 

Aria curtseys. "Your Grace."

And she goes right back across the hall to where she and Corvina came from, not stopping for a moment.

Weren't they going to eat???

But Corvina follows nonetheless.

And their shadow trails along with them.

Once they're out of the hall... 

"What on earth was that all about?"

"Not in the hallway," Aria cuts back. "We have a little time, we'll speak in private."

"I thought we were going to have lunch???"

"I'm sorry, I should have briefed you more beforehand but time was pressing. As I said, it's about introducing you formally to the leaders of the current political factions so they can acknowledge you exist."

"Don't worry," pipes up the maid. "It's perfectly normal for newly-admitted students to take meals in their own rooms while they adjust to student life."

Aria can't keep a note of annoyance from creeping into her voice. "Thank you, Ms. Mason."

She shrugs and spreads her hands. "It's my pleasure to serve!"

Aria stops at her rooms and turns to the maid. "Ms. Mason. Please go retrieve some lunch for Corvina and I; we don't have much time before our next meeting."

"Why, certainly!" 

And off she goes back down the hallway they came from.

Aria lets herself back into her rooms, and ushers Corvina in with her.

Corvina follows, returning to her comfortable chair in the room, amid her sweets and introductory magic texts.

"Ms. Mason seems... eager."