That nervousness softens Inessa's approach and she holds back from rambling about research, knowing it's very easy to lose herself in that. "I don't mean to worry you. We have no way of knowing, not yet. I suppose it's a subject for another time, as there is still much to do before reaching that point." If they reach it, but she prefers to remain optimistic.

"I was going to refill my cup of tea, but there's still more in the kettle. Would you like some? It's plain, but we have cream and sugar in the kitchen." Garahel perks up, knowing that where there's tea, there's also time to snag him a second helping. He also leans against Fern affectionately, to distract from that palm.