Maria did indeed understand a working spirit, but she was prone to stop for contemplation. These regular moments of rest and deep thought were vital to her survival and mental well being. Although it was occassionally cause for alarm amongst her fellow EKP.
She squeezed Peonys hand briefly and perched on the bench, crossing her legs. Her tea went untoched. She liked to leave it untl it was lukewarm. "You have a new student, do you not?" She had recently considered acquiring a tutor, although the time to properly make use of one had not been presented. "Is this part of your Council duties?" Maria did not ask many questions about Peony's work unless it seemed immediately pertinent.