"Yes, but I have been alone all morning and would be delighted to have company."

She maintained the smile, the brightness never leaving her eyes, even as her mind turned the feelings over and took them apart. She knew what she felt was not real, the woman's soul, tarnished by death and blood, seemed far brighter than any such soul should. Normally, Valdis would have found such manipulation deplorable, but this kind was mostly harmless when it came to her own willpower and for now, she was willing to go along with it.

"Anything in particular you would like to see?"