For a brief moment, in that silence between the appraisal and approval, Marius began to fidget, uncertain and abruptly embarrassed. What if Courfeyrac did not want him to come after he exhibited his ineptitude at the Cornucopia? He would be shamed, even if he would understand why. But when the approving nod arrived his eyes widened and his lips curled upwards a little.

And then he almost managed to ruin it all by stumbling and almost falling onto his face at the tug. Almost, at least. He hastily righted himself and hurried his pace catch up to Courfeyrac. As they walked, and as his friend talked, Marius's brow began to furrow. "Her... Her work? What do you mean by it?"