"I suppose, without the more visible targets that half-elves make, gender would be the next most likely difference to fixate on." It was thoughtful agreement, though not entirely happy. "Humans-- people in general, really, do tend to fear and distance those who are different. It's not right, but with effort, can be helped."

She might have picked up the underlying implications of prostitution if given a few more seconds to think about it, but Larrikin's sheer enthusiasm over the matter of her race distracted her near instantly. "You're the friend Skulduggery was talking about," Raine said, quite suddenly. The answer to a mystery she hadn't exactly been seeking. It was nice to have resolved, nevertheless.

The rest required deliberation. First: was it reasonable to try to talk him out of the increasingly complex title? "Raine," she repeated, not entirely hopeful for the outcome. At least he meant well, was doing it for fun rather than flirting, and in that respect again the experience was much more positive than dealing with Zelos.

Second: envoy from the gods? Her first instinct was no, but the thought that followed right on the heels was the affinity for mana that her bloodline gave her, and Martel's close bond to the Tree... hm. "That depends on how you define gods," she said finally. "I wouldn't say so myself, but it's true I have abilities and understandings that most humans in my world can't hope to grasp."