CA   ...

CA   Will she be any longer?

You receive a grunt from the man in response. You've occupied yourself long enough wandering through the first floor of this enormous mansion, so you decided to test the waters with his patience. Unfortunately, his commitment to obstructing outside efforts seems to win over any desire to cooperate with you.

No matter. You've navigated out of worse.

CA   Norgintas, was it?

CA   If I am proving to be a burden, I can reschedule with her...

NO   ]dont go anywhere kid[

You've been making a big show of walking back towards the entrance, only for him to place his hand on your shoulder.

NO   ]she said shell be ready soon[

NO   ]so stay where you are[

NO   ]no reason to run off all scared[

Your eye twitches, though you're able to stop it when you turn back and face him - a warm, apologetic smile on your face.

CA   You're right. Thank you.

CA   I'm not one to disregard obligations. And I see you're a man of principles, too.

CA   I know Diana's parents are... particular, to say the least.

CA   It speaks to your skill that you've come to serve them.

He grunts again - a vocal tick more than a response, perhaps - and gestures you towards one of the rooms. You make your way over and rest on one of the armchairs as he remains standing at the doorway.

NO   ]i know your type[

NO   ]and i see how youve been eyeing this place[

NO   ]so whatever youre planning with her -[

CA   Oh, oh no, I'm afraid you have the wrong idea.

CA   Diana and I, we're nothing more than acquaintances.

CA   I assure you that my intentions with her are nothing untoward.

CA   In fact - she can easily back me up, as soon as I can -

His fist slams into the wall, and you swiftly return to your sitting position. Though you sense a shade of that menacing glare has lessened, it's still far from welcoming. Even if you know for a fact that only the Morozov children are in today.

You've never met a more immovable object. They clearly chose well.

??   `stop`, nori. you`re making a scene.

From another doorway on your left - Diana lives in the most luxurious labyrinth you've ever seen - comes a thinner, more elegant-looking figure. If you didn't know better, you would've thought this family was wealthy enough to have their own priest.

??   send him up. diana gave me the go-ahead.

NO   ]were not done yet[

??   she`s hardly a child anymore. we`re lucky she hasn`t left us yet.

??   give her some agency, here. it`ll make for better protection in the long run.

They approach you and give you a courteous nod.

??   come.

You stand up and follow them out of the room, willing yourself to avoid eye contact with the sentient fortress that glares as the both of you leave.

Despite her bedroom being a mere one floor above, you sense that it'll be a long ways there. Might as well make conversation.

CA   You must be Pille. Thank you.

PI   oh, it`s nothing.

PI   nori just doesn`t know how let some people through. `u`

PI   an asset, to be sure. but a burden at times.

CA   I see.

CA   Have the two of you worked here for the same length of time?

PI   no, certainly not.

PI   it`s one thing to guard such powerful people.

PI   it`s another to allow a stranger around their home and children.

PI   i`m afraid it took quite a bit of `defrosting` to earn my keep. `.`

It's common knowledge that the Morozovs are an illustrious, but deeply private people. Such paranoia is nothing new for the elite. You're intimately familiar with all the defenses you've had to wear down, after all.

CA   Your accent... are you Estonian, by chance?

PI   was it my accent? not my `name?` `u`

CA   I apologize. I didn't want to make assumptions.

CA   But your way of speaking is familiar. Ma saan aru.

PI   oh? kas te räägite eesti keelt?

CA   Õppisin selle nooremana, aga ma ei valda seda soravalt.

PI   i see. you`re a learned man, aren`t you?

PI   no wonder our little queen took an interest in you. `u`

Before you can ask for clarification, a young girl appears in your path. She's staring at an ornate door.

PI   dina, do you need something?

The girl turns sharply and suddenly towards you. Her expression is not hostile, but it isn't unguarded either.

??   Who Are You?

You kneel down and put on your gentlest face. One your sibling once called 'princely', if you recall.

CA   My name is Castiel Luciano.

CA   I'm here to meet with your sister.

??   ...

CA   She's told me about you, you know.

CA   Idina is a nice name.

ID   It Is.

She looks back at the door.

ID   I want to Talk to Her. It's about Family things.

CA   Maybe she can speak with both of us.

CA   She's invited me, after all. But it wouldn't be right to leave you out he -

DN   You Already Got Him to Prostrate Before You? Very Impressive

The woman of the hour. You clear your throat and stand up.

CA   Diana. You've kept me waiting.

DN   Oh Ho Ho!

DN   As If You weren't Itching to Scour This Place

CA   As if you wouldn't relish in showing it off.

DN   Both Things Can be True

DN   Also, Why are You Dressed Like That

CA   Like what?

DN   Like You're Here for a Job Interview

CA   Forgive my insolence. I assumed this was a occasion worth dressing up for.

You repress the urge to roll your eyes. If anything, the longer you've been here, the longer you've felt under-dressed. That little girl is wearing an outfit that belongs in a 20th century painting, for Gods' sake.

ID   Diana, can You Help?

ID   He Won't Stop Taking my Things. When I Tell Him No, He Cries

DN   Not Now Dina

DN   Guests Take Priority! I'll See You Once He Leaves, Alright?

She carelessly tousles the top of Idina's head and ushers her away with a wave of her hand. Wordlessly, she obeys, glancing at you for a moment before departing with a gently whispering Pille.

CA   That was a rather curt way of dismissing her.

DN   Oh, She's a Patient One

DN   And My Words Mean Something, You Know. She Knows I Don't Break a Promise

CA   Hmm.

CA   Is that right?

DN   You Really Like to Get To The Point, Don't You?

CA   It's not as if the subject wouldn't come up, Diana.

CA   Do they know yet?

She chuckles behind her hand.

DN   I Wish I Could say No, But They Know Me All Too Well

DN   I'm Practically All Set Myself Up for my Television Debut

DN   How About Your People?

CA   No.

CA   I've kept my matters private.

From Caroline, particularly. Heaven knows her obsession would only hinder you.

DN   You're Making It Sound Like You Have some Deviously Brilliant Secret Plan

DN   Giving Yourself Too Much Credit as Always

CA   Some people prefer a less ostentatious approach.

CA   Speaking of which - are you going to let me in or not?

DN   No, Let's Keep Talking Out Here

DN   It's Fun Watching You Squirm

She's a valuable ally, you remind yourself.

CA   I can't wait to see how you'll be eliminated.

Her smile is equal parts amused and self-assured.

DN   The Feeling is Mutual