[Seeing Joss all but jump out of his chair, Alphinaud has to fight the urge to jump in surprise himself. Still, it's hard to take the diplomat out of Alphinaud even if one takes Alphinaud out of his element, and so he hastily waves away Joss's obvious apprehension, ignoring the stinging.] Pray settle down! You well know 'tis but a scratch.

[...He is still going to chance another furtive glance around the vicinity before taking that seat. No, not even a hint of a sign of his sister's presence. He's been standing here an entire minute and nobody has insulted him yet, unless the baby coeurl counts. Hmm.]

If, admittedly, another surprise I'd not anticipated. [He looks up at Joscelaint meaningfully.] I had expected to rendezvous with my sister here...

[Have you seen her, Joss. Did she set him up again.]