[in another place, at another time, maybe, the smile on her mouth could be accompanied by the quietest of laughs, upon catching a glimpse of akua's rolling eyes. they come much more easily to her, laughs, than they once had, a side effect of being surrounded by a family with endless antics, contained and safe; far beyond the reach of a shadow that had considered such things inessential, and had done its best to crush them forever.

(a shadow that had caught up with her again, in the end.)

as it stands, here and now, her smile is short-lived, fading naturally as she considers what she's being told, and reads between the lines. tensions between the factions are seemingly at an all-time high, along with the stakes in their fight, and pettiness on both sides. it isn't enough to give her clarity on a choice, at least not yet.]

How fortunate for me. [she can't quite suppress the bitter twinge in her voice at that.

but that won't accomplish anything, will it? so she swallows it down, and glances back up with:] Close quarters can bring out the worst in people. I'm glad to find some who remain sane despite them.