Along with the others' toasts came, unnoticable for the most part, Harrow's applause: a silent pressing together of hands in a rhythm of clapping without any sound, before she was the center of the recipient's attention. Jesper's salute is met with a bow of her head, respectful but not deferent—she doesn't lower her eyes.

"Is it a—" Harrow begins by repeating the question, starting before it fully percolates in her head, and then considers: she does know what a clan is, and what is a House besides a very large clan? Not that the Ninth could be called large. Or even a proper House last she'd seen it. It's close enough: "Yes. You could say that."

You could say cult or House or religious or political, but clan has a nice suitable ring to it.