< Is this about the illusion on the training grounds? > the Cynn asked wearily, pinching the bridge of his nose. < It was only smoke and mirrors, Helly. Nothing substantial. I wouldn't dare-- >

He paused, realizing that Helly was still squirming uncomfortably in nir seat.

< --Oh. That isn't it, is it? >

< Highness, > Helly began, < You know I try to ignore our interworld politics, but...what are we doing in the Symphony Archipelago? >

Cynn Numair had reached over to the perch beside the desk, offering his construct a hand to step down on. He lifted her to his shoulder and shot Helly a curious look.

< Why do you ask? > he wanted to know. < It's been a decade and you've never asked. >

Helly reached into nir tunic and removed the envelope Liya had brought nem that morning.

< A young human came to me today. She brought this,> ne said, and handed it across the desk to the Cynn. < It's from Captain Marinos, in Violetta. He must have filed a report on it...perhaps it would explain this. >

The Cynn pulled out the letter and unfolded it. His construct bent her head slightly, as though reading it herself. Helly clasped nir hands together and looked fixedly at the desk, neck arched.

< The captain was not specific in his letter, > ne explained. < All I know is that the girl's just lost her family, and that she was convinced that we are her enemy. She is just a child, Highness. I do not want to discover that we are the cause of her suffering. >