[ strands of hair brush against her face before falling in coils around her shoulders. with black nails, she lifts her fingertips to brush some away from her cheek as the flutter of wind dies down.

she's quiet for a moment. ]

Yes, well ...

The important part is that you weren't seen. I doubt they'd be able to handle you, and we've all seen how well you do in captivity.

[ and then a sigh. ] ... Ah, perhaps you know me better than you think. For me playing sides is kind of a given, it's what I do, but you ... the people in Chantes trust you. You gave them your word to protect them.

You don't have to break it. That's what I'm for. I'm the questionable one, [ she says it like the words don't hit as hard as they do. ] It comes with the reputation. You can't be the questionable one too.

[ as much as something tugs within her at that. ]