There is one here who stares, Veridian mused as he gazed at the young woman before him. He spoke it is his mind, directly to Philomel, who waited in the room beyond.

He liked her eyes. Strong, vivid, a gorgeous green. She held his gaze with the steadiness of a master sailor in a storm, with unwavering commitment and soul. When he dared to blink she seemed to claim that she had won. It made him laugh, gave him joy, and for him definitely marked her out as a unique individual. Someone to look out for.

In the ornate marbled waiting room several ladies and older girls sat, some having come here on a whim, others knowing much about the Gilded Lily. They had passed an initial test of 'could they write their name' and a brief, if rude, pre-screening by an admin assistant. Some of the applicants would be led right to the back gate, never too be offered a position in the Lily again, and others ended up here, in waiting rooms like these. Ready to be called upon, to be interviewed by one of the most powerful individuals in the city.

Or one of her underlings. Philomel couldn't interview them all herself. Though she'd try.

What? Veridian received as a confused answer. Girl here. She's funny.

Funny? Beloved,I don't need funny, Philomel sounded annoyed. I need useful, I need strong, I need-

I like her, the fox decided, stretching to his small black paws. He picked up his tail and began to trot over to the young woman, who now was complaining about this place being a brothel. Goodness was she in for a surprise.

Veridian let the end of his thick tail brush the been of her foot, and then he chittered to her, nodding towards the door that led to Philomel.

Ugh, his soul's partner groaned, not ever wanting to disappoint, or be seen to change her mind. Veridian had already started the invitation, and so ...

Ugh. She cursed him as she rushed to take a seat behind the large wooden desk, and arrange the papers neatly to try to look organised.

Veridian laughed as he began to try to lead his favourite with the green eyes to Philomel's door. The room was filled with merry chittering.