[Oh, now he's trying to take the lead? Venat and Argos share a look, along with expectations of just how this will go -- though the dog is exasperated, and the woman only amused.]

I may have mentioned this, but if so, I reiterate. Black robes and masks were the common fashion of our society. [She touches the mask that hangs in front of her robes. Not once has she donned it since coming here, but then, she never favored it to begin with.] White robes are the mark of an advisor, one pledged to impartial judgment and trustworthy advice. I was granted them when I stepped down from the seat of Azem -- whereas the vast majority in my place would have returned to the star, feeling their purpose fulfilled.