[He doesn't really mean it - and he doesn't quite understand what she means - but the tone and her patience helps nonetheless. He relaxes after a beat, exhaling loudly, one hand absently rubbing the side of his jaw.]

It makes most people uneasy, and we've had our entire lives to get used to it. [Including Bruce himself - though not for usual reasons. His relationship with spirits isn't exactly good, considering his condition. But that's neither here nor there right now.] So I don't blame you for thinking that.

[If anything, this just goes to show exactly how little control anybody ever has over the Fade and what it brings - so many Ages have passed and there is still so little known of the Fade. Bruce is pretty sure they'll never fully understand it - and that lack of knowledge is what will be their downfall eventually. The unknown always finds a way to strike when its least expected.

He's silent for a moment longer as he hears her continue to speak, not quite able to think of the best things to say. A lot of what he says comes from an experience that few others have, if not none, so he knows his words aren't really the best to go with. But still, she deserves something - and Bruce will try, at least.]

Well, for starters, let's just keep it to us and Corypheus. [A wry smile as he says that.] They've got enough of an advantage as it is.