“The beginning of it, at least,” a bleak bit of humour on the matter of planning one’s recovery, and all the myriad things that might complicate it between now and then. Or then and further, still. “I’ve made arrangements to begin the work of my prosthesis with Mssr Viktor, and to make preparations for the surgery itself in the infirmary. That, of course — I wished to speak with you before anything could be finalised.”

Items on a list, methodically done; each piece in play and in place. It’s soothing, and not less so for knowing that control to be illusory.

(She did not become deaf, so it is a choice not to remark upon how her nearest feel about her firm decision.)

“Assuming a best case scenario and making allowances for one that is not, I will wish to provide that timeline to the Ambassador and our scouting mistress to manage expectations for my work. I presume that our head healer will appraise the Provost.”