[ julius has always struck ness as such a mild person that the idea of him doing anything that could be described as "slamming" rings bizarre; ness can't help a quiet chuckle at the thought, then bites her lip to refocus herself, and whatever fleeting mirth she felt dissipates quickly. that the provost clearly takes her concern seriously is gratifying, the possibility—and previous reality—of a spy is less so.

feeling less exposed the more people know about her magic is such a basically contradictory thing that she's almost derailed entirely puzzling over it... but it's tangential, really, beyond the point. she's told the provost about her magic, received assurance that she's not to be tossed on her ass or out of cosima's good graces for having kept it secret for so long, and can put one of her myriad fears to rest. all in all, this conversation has been an unequivocal success.

her expression of gratitude is only the slightest bit performative; the difference between how ness would demonstrate the emotion to a superior instead of a friend. ]

I appreciate that, Provost. Thank you for the advice, and your understanding. If anything about the situation changes, or there becomes cause for concern, I will make you and the other division heads aware immediately. And...

[ it's better to thank than to apologize, but—she hesitates, shifting her weight, speaking less to an authority figure this time than a person she could like to befriend. ]

I apologize that it took me so long to say anything. I'll be more forthcoming in future.

[ to cosima specifically, anyway, since she took this so well. tbd for the rest of the div heads. ]