I know you always have a million questions about everything--I remember catching you in the library way past curfew. Sometimes I dragged you back to the dorms with a stack of books so big we both had our hands full; sometimes I would just sit with you until the bells rang for breakfast, so that if anyone came by I could tell them I was helping you research for a paper. [ Her thumb draws round patterns on the back of his hand, pale against his warm skin. ] That's why I said you can ask me whatever you want. There's a lot of time to make up for. And if my comments about you sound like flattery, it's just because I think highly of you. That's all.

[ The comment about her being menacing had mostly been a joke on her part--she's never knowingly done anything to look frightening, but her reputation has always preceeded her. ]

If I recall correctly, you once had aspirations of using my skills in the Alliance, and in Almyra as well, if I'm not mistaken.