Hello, Chimera Here.

Artorias was there shortly. Avantika noticed his sigh. Was he mad at Chimera? He probably wasn't mad at her, but she still worried. He was polite as he spoke—a perfect host. Avantika wished she could hide her emotions so well. While the aegis was obviously a capable young man and able to fight his own battles, she wasn't leaving. No matter what happened, she was going to stay by her brother. She couldn't let him get hurt no more than the rest of the pack.

She stood near, at Art's side, as Chimera spoke. His ugly, slimy voice said he 'couldn't help' it because she was 'so serious'. She could be plenty fun, but not when she felt threatened. And not the kind of fun he'd seemed to want. He looked at her, and she tried to take a lesson from Art in hiding her disgust. She thought it was a decent attempt, but she still needed practice. She expected another jab or innuendo, and his compliment caught her completely off guard. She couldn't conceal the small smile of pride that arrived before she could notice. It was sickening that she was happy about his approval. 'A decent diplomat... A fine asset to your pack.' Everything she wanted to hear, from the mouth of someone she hated hearing anything from.

"Speech"