Acelynn stared down at the little glowing lump huddled in the corner of a foil lined box. It lay on a nest of ground coal and pine embers, not moving save for the occasional flicker of flame when an unburnt piece of wood caught and smoldered.
Ellyne smiled. Well, it was an approximation of what Acelynn assumed a smile for her would be. The expression was a little too wide, there were a little too many teeth, almost like the other woman had forgotten entirely in her expressionless state how to smile and she was just mimicking what other people did. It was unnerving. She stopped almost immediately, it was weird for her too.
The blonde businesswoman looked back down at the Thalassion Phoenix in it's warm box and frowned, "What is-- No I know what it is. Why did you bring me a Phoenix hatchling? I don't need this, Ellyne."
"You're the best person to care for it. Consider it a present for working for Lord Bloodsword for a whole year. His turnover rate prior to this for assistants and employees was high; You stuck it out, probably because you're a masochist," the Brunette's usual monotone had a bit of a lilt to it, obviously pleased with her gift to her boss.
Acelynn looked up at the ceiling and took a deep, calming breath, being careful not to disturb the creature, "I'm not a vet, Ellyne. Not a masochist, either. Thank you for thinking I am capable of taking care of the symbol of our people, but why don't you keep it? I'm sure it would be--"
"Can't. Mana wyrm. They don't co-habitate."
It was clear there would be no debate here. Acelynn sighed and set the box down on her desk before sitting back in her desk chair, the cushions making a quiet 'fhwump' as she settled and pinched the bridge of her nose, "This is going to go so poorly, Ellyne."
Ellyne smiled that completely wrong smile again, "No, I think it's going to go very well."
