[It is not so much that Ortus brightens at the mentions of Palamedes, Harrow, and Gideon as it is that he becomes less dim. He nods twice in quick succession, his hood falling back slightly with the motion.]

My lady is the Reverend Daughter Harrowhark Nonagesimus. Gideon Nav is her cavalier, her sworn guardian. [There is an undeniable, if understated, dedication in how he speaks both of their names.] Warden Sextus is correct on both counts.

[And all three of them are embodied and whole. It is a miracle whose scope Ortus has yet to fully take in. That, combined with the diagnosis of his blood, and perhaps even a slight warning effect of the alcohol, put Ortus in a better mood than he has been in for - long enough it is not worth remembering. When Viktor's encouraging smile is added to the heady mixture, Ortus discovers his own mouth curving slightly in answer.]

I did observe such a phenomenon. [With his blood, that is.] That is a relief. As is the thought of perhaps...untangling the tragedy, as you put it. I had not imagined such a chance being possible.