Mrs. Martinez considered his reply, and nodded slightly.  “I understand.  I will get in touch with someone aware of the details.”  She was still reserving judgement on certain things, but she  had been satisfied as to the breech of etiquette, and that it would do her little good to demand further answers.  When Cain mentioned his choice of student, however, both women reacted with surprise.  The chaperone was suspicious, and irritated.  If he was going to be shadowing Amuné, that meant Primm would have to deal with him as well, and she disliked him already.

The headmistress, however, was more concerned.  “Miss Ris?  I take it you are aware of her, ah, unique circumstances?”  It was a tactful way to say that she was orphaned, and that the school could easily have turned her away.  “Her magic is most unusual...I wonder if that’s the cause for concern.  There really isn’t anyone to train her, beyond the basics -- and believe me, I have looked.”  The woman steepled her hands in front of her, her gaze unfocusing for a moment as she considered.  “I should caution you, I do not know how well she will take to your presence -- she’s extremely selective in those she likes.  She can be difficult, and occasionally wayward, though nothing she’s never done anything overly outlandish, considering her age and upbringing.  Still, she needs careful handling.”  In truth, the girl was unpredictable even at the best of times, and Ms. Martinez was concerned that she would try to avoid him, or refuse outright to let him anywhere near her.

“I will see to it that a set of rooms are prepared for you.”  The lady didn’t bother with putting any rebuke into her tone.  Cain was not the one who had written the letter, or if he had it was already evident that he had a poor grasp of social customs.  “Let the servants know if you need anything -- and when you expect your belongings to arrive.”  The manner of his arrival had not been overlooked, and she had drawn her own conclusions from the details.  “I’ll let them and the staff know you are to be permitted access anywhere you need to go, within reason.  Of course, propriety demands that you avoid the girls’ dorms after a certain hour, and I can’t guarantee how happy any given person will be if you enter their room or suite.  I must also insist that you avoid disrupting classes while you are present.”  Mrs. Martinez rose from her chair and came around the desk to see him to the door of her office.  “If you need to speak with me, please do not hesitate to let the secretary know.  I hope the Department will find everything is to its satisfaction.”

[@TheMinorFall]