Lakshmi’s a bright, fierce soul, the kind you see leaders made of, and enchanting just as well. An interest to be around, a lively conversation partner, and with much of a world far different from his own to share in stories and rhetoric. Vane’s never been one to be overly fond of many people, but he does like her. Enjoys her company, maybe even considers her trustworthy.

But now she’s scraping around his cabin like looking for spies, and he watches her over the rim of the goblet he brings to his lips, hesitating to drink.

“Makes me wonder if I shouldn’t be drinking this, you looking around for witnesses like that.”

The comment’s more just for letting her know she’s acting fucking weird than anything else, as he takes his sip right after - first something small, then a larger gulp to toss the rest of it back.

“Skip the pleasantries. What is it my crew can’t hear or see?”