If he was not apparently quite so set on concealing the identity of his adviser, Raine might well have had to track that person down for a serious conversation as well. "We've touched on this before, to an extent," Raine pointed out. "The first I've long since forgiven; the rest necessarily only you may come to terms with, but-- it doesn't affect your worthiness here and now in any way save that weight which you yourself put on it."

Something eased, at his last words, and Raine drifted half a step closer. "He startled me, as well," she admitted. Shook her head. That would take time, and would not be fixed this instant. Solomon was before her, and she would focus on him. "You were correct in your previous assumption, then. Is there any other matter in which I may set your mind at ease?"