Her apparent earnestness made great strides toward endearing her to him, but he endeavored to remain cautious. He worried about sending her for more information; that would be one more person who knew more than he cared to be known, but if she was who she said she was and wanted what she said that she wanted, then she understood. She was a thief, a criminal, she had done harm and she wished to undo that part of herself, she had said. If that was true, then she would understand, even if she learned more about him.
"Yes, try your best. I want to know where he heard whatever it is that he thinks he heard about me. Nasty rumors like that can confuse people, hurt people. But now--" he eyed her swishing tail and the edges of his mouth betrayed the makings of a smile, "--now we talk about you. Have you ever exhibited any magical talent? As I recall, you said you can't read well. How well are you able to read? Can you draw basic shapes?"
"Yes, try your best. I want to know where he heard whatever it is that he thinks he heard about me. Nasty rumors like that can confuse people, hurt people. But now--" he eyed her swishing tail and the edges of his mouth betrayed the makings of a smile, "--now we talk about you. Have you ever exhibited any magical talent? As I recall, you said you can't read well. How well are you able to read? Can you draw basic shapes?"
