Warned by Valdis' hesitation that she might not be best pleased, Raine bit off her initial response, which would have leaned to the loudly protective, and instead examined Valdis with a cool eye, silent. At length, when that quiet was at risk of becoming uncomfortable and she had full control of her impulses, Raine spoke. "Without knowing exactly what passed between you, I can't offer any explanation. However, based on my observations, I believe that to be one of the last things he would want."

Raine was not going to offer the specifics of those observations, either, not to Valdis. There was a beat, and then she added, "You're a smart woman, Valdis. I trust you won't do anything rash, and that you can accurately predict my reaction if you do."