[ A coward then, scared in her body and mind of what might happen to. It would be enough - if Lakshmi was a Queen, or even not trapped in this blasted room, to send her from her sight. There is nothing she has less pity for, less interest in humouring it.

But she can't do that, not here and now. She must endure this girl's selfish worries. ]

What a wretched being you are, to be so old as you claim and still a child for your fears because you lost your comforts. Monsters at least will fight to their death. But you...?

[ She tsks, a sharp dismissing sound, the edge of disgust and pity in her words. ] Do you truly believe in nothing but cowering in the corner? Do you have nothing that you care about that you would put above yourself?