One arrives, in the form of Yseult, who steps up to the elbow of the agitated man, speaking over his jabbering in quick Tevene, tone low and soothing but persistent, a sudden wash of water over the surface, gently drowning him out. Orange does nothing kind to her complexion, and in any case she is far too tan and freckled for a lady of quality, but it is a fine gown that fits her better than a stolen thing has any right to, and she has looped her arm through his and set the fingertips of her other hand on his chest, head tilted near to speak, expression nothing but solicitous concern as she steers him, slowly but surely, away. She makes eye contact with Nikos precisely once as she does it, as she dismisses him with an imperious gesture.

A short while later, once she's extricated herself from her dear old friend, she brushes past Nikos in the crowd with a glance that, to a fellow professional, says follow. She collects a drink for appearances' sake and heads out into the garden, finding a secluded corner not already occupied. When Nikos arrives, she lifts a brow right off, but keeps her voice low.

"He said you cheated him at cards and slept with his wife. Do you know him? Is this going to be a problem?"