Thiliel paced once around Sonder, steps casual.
At last, she stopped before her and folded her hands into the long sleeves of her robe. 'You want into House Nesh,' she said; there was no question in it. "Tell me your reason."
"I only want one thing. An audience with Grimalkin. That is the reason I came to Gloam. I need it to be soon, and I've heard that being in one of the great houses can speed up the process."
At that name, Thiliel's brows arched faintly, though her composure held. "Grimalkin." The word rasped from her throat like a stone dragged across tile. "Few get what they want. Why should House Nesh waste its grace on you?"
Sonder's eyes were fierce and met Thiliel's. "Because I can be of use."
Thiliel's narrow eyes glinted. "Are you skilled in stealth? Deception? Can you lie as well as you speak plainly, outlander?"
"I don't lie well," Sonder answered honestly. "But I am quick and small and can hide myself well enough."
That made Thiliel smile; it was sharp on her red face. "Interesting. At least you know your limits."
Sonder hesitated, then added. "One more thing. If I join House Nesh, he does too," she said, pointing at Lacuna.
Thiliel's gaze slid toward him. "That boy?" Her tone made it sound less like a question and more like an accusation.
"He's quick-thinking and resourceful," Sonder said simply. "It would be a boon to have him."
For a moment, Thiliel studied them. Then she turned, her robe brushing against the stone as she crossed to her rib-like chair. She settled into it, hands in her sleeve.
"You ask much, outlander," she said at last. "To enter House Nesh is no small matter. Membership is earned, not given. Even more so when it comes to outlanders with no blood, no ties, and no patronage."
Her eyes cut back to Sonder, glinting with a sharp, opportunistic light. "I will not grant you audience with Grimalkin, not yet. House Nesh does not barter in empty promises. But if you do something for me, something that proves your worth, then I will see to your request."
Lacuna leaned forward despite himself, eager. "What is it? We'll do anything."
Thiliel's eyes flicked to him with sudden, slicing cold. "Silence. As members of this house, you will not speak unless spoken to by a higher-ranking member. If you lack the discipline for that, you will be cast back into the dust where I found you."
Lacuna shrank back, chastened.
Satisfied, Thiliel returned her gaze to Sonder. "Tomorrow, you will be presented to the house. You will not go in wearing rags. You will be given garments suitable to your station. And then," she leaned forward, "your assignment will be given. Fulfill it, and you may yet find the doors you seek. Fail, and you will be forgotten."
She rose, towering and severe, then gestured to the doors. "Come, be prepared."