Irene raises her wine glass to her lips...and then lowers it again, upon hearing that.

"I," she says, pausing for dramatic effect, "am so sorry to have missed that."

A smile trembles at the corner of her lips, because somehow, she and Benevenuta are on the same level. And because she's picturing quiet, brilliant Dr Vanessza Bernát mounting a crossbow attack from whatever sort of flying thing a thestral is and it is...entirely believable. Wonderful.