--->
"Shall we begin with a tour?"
A young and cloyingly saccharine voice echoed within the empty entrance hall. Dima found herself staring fixedly at the well polished stone floors, trying to spot any sign of recent construction dust or wear. Anything to make the experience feel *natural* and not like a feverdream.
But there wasn't even a partial footprint from the entrance - or a single scuff on the stone. The place was new but it was also all too immaculate.
"As you probably know, the first floor will primarily serve as a reception area and a meeting space for visiting Guild members."
The brunette gestured to some already placed furniture meant for the gathering spot. A half dozen elegant chairs and a well waxed table were arranged in a grouping. The backs of the seats were carved with the Guild's serpentine motif, just like the one on the faces of the building.
Aw, she works hard.
By that I mean she definitely is working overtime trying to turn everything El does or shows her into something awful. Is that something you really want to work hard at and then 'get what you wanted' (to be right)?
Though she might have something on that thing about ancient people. Poisoning yourself to get your enemy is pretty insane... and also sounds fake. It must be a fake/incomplete story!
A whole 'the rumors of my demise at my own hands were greatly exaggerated' situation. Maybe he already drank an antidote? I'm putting way too much thought into this randomly mentioned parable that I only intended to exist as a reference in this chapter!