Thud. She can feel the tremor through the bunk beneath her.

"I am appreciating the development. If I didn't appreciate it, I might simply remark 'Oh, how interesting' and be done with it. As for Enchanter Smythe, I have every confidence that she would also find Veronique perfectly interesting. She's a very thoughtful woman, and it would do you no harm to—"

Wait, no. She knows a better way to say this, and falls to rearranging the quilt on her lap while she does.

"—Enchanter Smythe is an accomplished alchemist. I would think you two might have much to talk about given your enthusiasm for the subject."