Echomire seems to have that effect on what remains of it. Inside Madrasati is a different case altogether; it's well lit and welcoming, with plants and seating areas that have carefully co-ordinated tables with fanned pamphlets. The reception area was probably a parlour once upon a time, only an alcove has been cut out of one wall and fitted with a wooden counter and bell, past which is the administrators office.

Except there's no need for anyone to ding or pass on a message to Charles. He tends to keep out of people's minds unless he's being asked to, but he's very aware of his surroundings and who enters them. As soon as John and Jacqueline enter, he's already taken the time to go 'what?' in his office and wheel out to the foyer. By then, his face is impassive and friendly.

"Now you, I already know," he addresses John, which has all the intonations of 'we'll discuss this later,' (to be fair, he doesn't sound mad, maybe something between bemused and exasperated). Then, turning his attention towards Jacqueline, "But not you. I'm Charles." He actually holds out his hand to shake, which he knows is ridiculously formal, but then he remembers how annoying it was to be a bright child and treated childishly.