[ all good things that she's not living up to right now. her smile is wan, for this reason, but she pushes more enthusiasm into it. she can read lance's disappointment easily — in his demeanor just as much as in the force. though, more and more, she's finding separating the two in her mind is hard. her instincts, her compassion, and that offered by the force have become one. ]

I'm lucky, then. There aren't many people Keith says only good things about. [ she settles her feet on an algae-smoothed stone, up to her waist in water. ] I'm sorry if I've upset you, bringing up ALASTAIR like this. But I want to be honest with you.