Mir

Someone who hadn't come down to the lower floor in years came down twice today. The third node must have been urgent.

• ViolaThe archivist just keeps records, doesn't she.
  MirThat is my job, my lady.
• RaielErase it.
  MirThree people already saw it. What's there to erase?

I found something interesting in the old contractors' registry. If I say it out loud, I lose my head. So go ahead and ask me.

• ViolaI believe the Marquess family has viewing rights to that registry.
  MirWhy would someone with rights be asking me?
• Professor HowellA loose-lipped archivist disappears faster than her own records.
  MirThat's why I only ever say half, to live longer.

The far end of the long table was empty again today, and no one would sit there. That seat must fill you up on rumor more than food.

• ViolaIf someone ever does sit in that seat, it won't be a seat anymore, it'll be a rank.
  MirWhich seat are you, my lady? The parlor isn't a dining table.
• Professor HowellEnough about seats. Just eat.
  MirI set your portion aside, Professor. You're always late.

The greenhouse filled with people the moment the frost roses bloomed, but the one who stood there longest never once looked at the flowers.

• ViolaThen what was he looking at, Archivist?
  MirThat's information I only sell for a price.
• RaielI was watching the wind's direction.
  MirNo wind gets into a greenhouse.

Three seal-ink order forms this month alone. And this from a man who used to make one bottle last half a year.

• Professor HowellHigher consumption means the seals were reinforced more often. Archivist, compile the dates and send them to me.
  MirI've already got the dates sorted. I just haven't sent them, because it scares me.
• RaielThe ink is mine to use. Counting it is not your task.

That thing I found in the registry, in the end someone from upstairs came down to ask about it first. An archmage interrogating his own archivist isn't something you'll find in any registry.

• ViolaNo leaving me out of this story.
  MirYou already know about half of it, my lady.
• RaielI asked nothing. I merely happened to pass by.
  MirPassing by, twelve floors down.