Portraits: Anataeus (Shabby), Clara, Concordia (Shabby)

Concordia (Shabby): Nils? Is that you?
Action: Enter, Nils
Nils: Sorry to interrupt your alchemical intrigues, but I came back to let you know House Colvan is stepping up patrols through the border zones.
Nils: They may have realized there were some escapees...
Concordia (Shabby): Took them long enough.
Anataeus (Shabby): Thank you for the warning. I have a few more things to do, but we should be out of here just as soon as I’m finished.
Nils: Don’t hesitate, they’re clearly looking for someone.
Anataeus (Shabby): Clara, this is Nils. You could say he’s a bit of an unsavory character—
Clara: No, I know.
Anataeus (Shabby): Wait... you know Nils?
Clara: Know him? I employ him.
Nils: Only on a part-time basis.
Concordia (Shabby): Ha! I always wondered how it was that you found us so easily.
Clara: I’m almost offended you didn’t realize it sooner.
Concordia (Shabby): Your machinations are at a level far beyond ours, I’m afraid.
Anataeus (Shabby): And here I thought I’d found the only trustworthy thief in the city...
Nils: Lady Soria, I advise returning home now before there is any chance of being seen here.
Clara: That’s likely for the best, I agree.
Anataeus (Shabby): There’s still the matter of the lipstick.
Clara: Once you’ve made it, Nils can bring it to me on the night of the ball itself.
Anataeus (Shabby): Very well. One more thing, Clara... there will be chaos.
Clara: I know. And I don’t fear it.