( By the Mountain-Father, but Rani liked to talk. Was good at it, overwhelming with it. Rani brought words together as readily as a tree brought leaves, so that she could make a dense canopy of them. Sheltering and obscuring in equal measure, she suspects.

Magni leans against the wall. Slouched, just a little.

How little you had ever told me of yourself, that was something to think about. She looks to the window, head resting against the stone. )

I don't say much at all.

( Just, you know, a note of self-defence. ) But affection and knowledge can grow together. Do you think people must have each other memorised before they can consider attachment?

( Probably not, but she is a little curious. Then: ) Where do you want me to start?

( Echoing, offering. Cautiously. )