[She almost wants to argue further, but it’s so not worth it. She only just got here and she’s not the one spearheading this cause; she doesn’t need to waste her breath trying to convince someone that she’s in the right here.

And it probably helps that he catches her a little off guard with the sudden offering of his cape. Christ, that thing is long and goofy. And super warm-looking. And it is freezing balls out here.

It’s given a long, contemplative look, during which she diverts her gaze back to him with a raised eyebrow. But then she sighs and takes the thing in one hand.]

I’m guessing that’s your brother?

[The guy had mentioned they traveled worlds together, so it figures that’d be a priority for him.]

I’d suggest talking to that lady in charge here. [She hooks the thumb of her free hand over her shoulder, in the vague direction of the city’s Great Tree and that fancy manor.] Sign up and she’ll nab you the soul crystal thing of whoever you want. It sounds like too-good-to-be-true bullshit, but she actually managed to pull it off when I asked, so…

[So, it seemed like a no-brainer—and a huge, bittersweet relief.]