Well, some think that serving on the Convocation is the ultimate service to the Star. Forgetting that it really is not. It is a very important and hefty way to serve the Star, but - it is one way of infinitely many. And while few indeed are qualified enough to be a part of the Convocation, there are ways to help and make better that are suited for even fewer. So whoever thinks it scandalous is only showing off their own ambition. Not actually being correct. They would be speaking ill of themselves, and not of Azem.

[ He had a white-robed teacher, at one time. And there are some who do come to Amaurot, at least for a time.

But the question really was rhetorical, wasn't it?

Hythlodaeus catches the flicker in her aether, and tilts his head. While he truly does love cooking for her, right now he doesn't want the interruption that preparing the food would necessitate. ]

Mm. Or we can pick up something on the way and eat at my place. There is always the chance that Hades will come over, but he will probably have enough to say until a time you decide to tell him, and then he will be duly impressed.

[ ... and it occurs to him belatedly that perhaps he isn't acting all that impressed, but... truly, he's just concerned for Achelois. And wants to help.

He will finish quickly, setting his work in order - well, order for him - for tomorrow, and then step in to tuck his hand under her arm. ]

Only she can answer that. Meeeeanwhile, I can do my best to make that a good kind of strange. Ready?