iseult took a lessened interest in the mammal exhibits. water-types were not her favorite, but the fish were beautiful to look at. these were cute, she supposed, if only made more so by the fact that they were contained within glass and thus harmless.

“dates?” it snagged her interest, there in the prying tone of her voice and the curl of a teasing smile. ”with one special person, i wonder?” or was he living his best life, out there with all the beautiful people he cared to take an interest in? she couldn’t relate, either way.

”it’s busy. lots of answering emails, grabbing coffee… i’m a glorified assistant, really,” which was supposed to be humbling, and it was. ”but i do get a good look into the going-ons of things. i spend much of my time around the council, immersed in the stress of keeping up with all that is happening in this region.” it was a lot, but it had given her a good insight into what the life could be like.

BARNABY FINCH