[ One hand knuckles the other, rubbing loose circles into the space between finger and thumb. Water laps the side of the ferry, sloshing salt about their boots. A seagull screams. The hum of the city grows louder with every creak of oar. Noise,

You can lose yourself in it. Turns over a palm, traces the question. ]

Dunno. Losing Starkhaven, that was a blow. That we never — [ Turned aside, diverted full forces to the siege. ] — But it won't be the last. And shame... Reckon some folks get bolder, when they got something to run from. Looks like control.

[ What's self-awareness. He's never met her. ]