The common room settled after the treaty the way a building settles after something large moves through it. Everything was still structurally correct. Same layout, same tables, same chairs. But the way everything related to everything else had shifted a little.
The argument had been the room's default condition ever since Vassara walked in and decided the chairs were inadequate. Now it was gone. That absence sat in the room just as clearly as the argument had.
Vassara stood by the hearth. The amended guest agreement was on the wall across the room. She'd been looking at it on and off since I posted it. I noticed. Didn't comment.
Brenne was at table three. She had a cup she'd been refilling herself at intervals, no asking. That was new behavior, but not recent. She knew where the kettle was. Knew the kitchen. People who stay long enough start treating the place like it functions.
Kern had a second bowl.
