It took a great deal of effort to loosen her hand, which was tightly fastened to the handle of one of her hidden daggers underneath her cloak, upon the sudden appearance of the woman. It took an even greater effort to convince herself that this woman (possibly) meant no harm, at least Wilhelm didn't appear too frightened. But Lorena wholly believed that this woman could easily slide a knife through her ribs if Lorena gave her the chance. But at the same time Lorena felt her heart skip a beat. She was eager, even more so with the mention of the woman's name.

Phsara Ikarvoi.

She forced her fingers to unravel around her hilt and eased a smile on to her face. If she felt in danger in this woman's presense, this could only mean Wilhelm had held up his end of the bargain. She couldn't mess this up. Especially now that she was actually standing before the myth of a woman. Especially if this woman were hostile.

Lorena pushed aside her cloak and then pressed a hand to her breast, making sure to expose both hands, and gave a half bow. "The legendary Ikarvoi. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Phsara cast a stoic if not cold look towards Lorena. If she were annoyed in any way, which Lorena was sure she was, Phsara was hiding it very well. "A pleasure to meet you as well." Lorena felt her eye twitch at the blatant lie but maintained her smile with upmost perfection. Phsara turned her gaze back to Wilhelm but didn't speak.

Wilhelm took the cue and stepped forward. He gestured to Lorena now standing beside him. "Her name is Lorena Setha'elle." Phsara lifted her eyebrows, as if saying 'Am I supposed to be impressed?'. "And before you ask, no, I was not bullied into leading her to you. She is a client and her wish was simply to talk with you."

"Talk with me?" The woman turned her eyes again towards Lorena, who met her eyes with a strangely sly grin of her own. There was a moment of silence, as if Phsara were surveying Lorena's presence, and here Lorena made a point to show that her hands were empty. "You've traveled a long distance just to chat with an aged hermit."

Lorena cocked her head. "I believe many people would die to have a chance to chat with this aged hermit." Even though she couldn't see much through the black drapes and black umbrella, while standing in the shade, Lorena could already feel the tension lifting even slightly. Her shoulders were already relaxing.

"Are you a scholar perchance?" Phsara paused, then adjusted her umbrella, the shade shifting on her body as if it were alive. "A chemist maybe?"

Lorena grinned, thoroughly amused. "Let's just say I'm an avid reader of yours." It was then that she reached into the pouch at her side and produced a leather bound book, one that was quite different than the one she had showed Wilhelm. Phsara looked pleasantly surprised.

"You have my handbook of Alchemy, I see."

"And your handbook of Thought, along with all four notebooks of Morality."

Phsara's face subtly shifted and didn't look quite as pleasant any more. "So you have six of my books."

"They are fascinating." Lorena slipped the book back into her pouch, still smiling. "But you aren't here to listen to me squeal over your works, are you?"

"No," Phsara turned her head slightly, as if trying to gain a new angle on Lorena. "I suppose I'm not."

Lorena drew her cloak back over her shoulders. "If you wouldn't mind, both Wilhelm and I have been traveling since morning and climbing your mountain is no easy feat. I would be thankful if you would be so kind as to allow us to come into your home and rest our legs for just a moment. I do not intend to stay long, I need only ask you a simple question and I'll be on my way."