Rutile is still examining the tattoo, yes, but they let Ilda go around the time she starts rambling about apologies. They sit back and cross one leg over the other, taking advantage of a rare increase in height from having perched on the table.

"Yes, you ought to apologize for that," they agree. "I know you meant well, but it was disrespectful to Valdis's private life and professional character. She could have gotten in a lot of trouble, and it would have been your fault.

"But you owe me nothing for the window. It is not your place to get between me and Valdis, and further, it still wasn't your fault," they say, only slightly more gently. "You didn't mean to cause an earthquake. I did still break the window, but frankly, being made of such flimsy material, it deserved to be broken."

They reach behind them and pick up a menu, proffering it to Ilda. "We can talk about your talent when you're prepared to be calm about it."