[ coming from nearly anyone else, the affirmative that Minrathous will be freed would rankle her. or at the very least, leave a bitter taste in her mouth. because so few could see the enormity of the task and how little in the way of hands they have to complete it. the Venatori-free Minrathous is almost like a child's dream; she's fighting for it anyway, because she cannot stand idle. none of the Dragons can.

nor could Lucanis—she should've known this would be his answer. Zara did unspeakable things to him in that prison. even before then, she got the impression many of the Crows killed off Venatori as their act of charity.

so, despite her pessimism and all of her doubters skills, she finds she believes him.

something she turns over in her head like a puzzle as she finishes her meal, trying to make sense of whether it was her heart or head that was making more progress in this moment. maybe she was just overtired. ]

You know, if you were trying to poison me, this would be the quickest way. [ she says in lieu of the overwhelming warm fuzzies that threaten to spill from her mouth. not only had he brought dessert, he had made her favorite. and then miniaturized it for easy travel. the little gooseberry pie is so cute she almost can't make herself eat it.

almost. ]

I see you took some hints from Ashur.

[ not that she sounds entirely put out. especially not right now, with a mouth full of pie and a cup of coffee that smelled fresh and not oddly burnt. ]

Since you've left me no choice—I'll confer with the Dragons, to see what post could use the supplies. [ inventory could change drastically in a matter of hours, depending on whether there was an incident with the Venatori, illness, a fight; anything, really. ] But, I guess I can forgive you, as you did bring me pie.