[ This is a mix, then, of hesitancy, truth, and deception. Nina is beyond attempting to ignore the signs from Alina at this point. She's good at this sort of thing, she could even figure out which parts were true, which a lie. The fear is real, though, and the fear is enough to make her teeth ache.

She takes a breath, though, because it doesn't make any sense. The fear should not be this acrid, this acute, if it was a fear that was that far in the future.

It's a balance, a choice - how do you become a friend? And what kind of friend will you be if you don't act? The sort that just shares a kefta? How long do you wait for someone to show themselves to you and when do you push? It's different if you're working with a mark, than with someone you are trying to be a friend to.

She lifts her head slightly, meeting Alina's gaze squarely. ]

You probably haven't been. To be fair, how could you have? As you gain more control of your power and learn to understand the politics... I'm sure you'll be able to have more of a say. We all bow to the throne, but being the Sun Summoner gets you a lot of leverage. You're not replaceable. You can work with that.

[ And Nina says you and not we, because yes, she knows what happens to deserters and even though the choice tears at her, she would not unmake it.

She takes a half step forward, puts a hand on Alina's shoulder. ]

Don't let the future haunt you, Alina. We've got enough to deal with here.