"Invar! It's good to see you!" Merianethel opens the door wide, and smiles in unfeigned pleasure. "Come in!" "Thank you. I am looking for Yllianvarar." "He's out at a gathering." "I see." He turns to go, but she forestalls him with a hand on his arm. "Wait! He'll be back soon. Come downstairs. I'll make tea." She smiles again, hopefully this time. "It's beemn too long since you visited." Downstairs, with the decorated teapot filling the room with a delicate scent of steamed leaves, Inric pulls off his cloak and gloves and relaxes. The tea is a familiar one, and a welcome reminder. Merianethel runs her finger around the top of her own cup, then looks up at him. "So, tell me how your research is going."