[ She's a little stunned to hear that. But why should she be? This is in line with how he usually is, isn't it? This is the sort of thing she should expect after... well, what Atem said, isn't it?

It still takes her by surprise, as does the short little laugh that comes out of her. The truth stirs inside her, and not a happy one, but not really a sad one either. ]

I'm going to suffer anyway. We all are. That's part of all of this.

[ Life? Ryslig? Being a monster?

She takes his hand and, if he doesn't pull away, tugs him gently towards the table. ]

Come on. Sit down with me. You want some tea? I'm working on the template...