The bubble didn't quite startle her, but it made her blink, provided a moment of distraction. Her staff was in her outside hand; Raine turned as she walked to reach up and tap at the bubble, curious as to its nature. "Fascinating," she said, with feeling, when she ascertained the shift in density. Previously undisplayed magical techniques were worth a brief diversion. "I knew a man once who did something like this-- that was months ago, though, and he was from another world entirely. I presume this is to prevent eavesdropping?"

It seemed the most likely and sensible thing. It also reminded Raine of the darker possible applications of such finely controllable air magic. She gave that due consideration, then discarded it. This was a peaceful conversation.

In a moment she turned again, settling back into an easy walking pace. This was not a man proud of what he'd done; his reaction to her words would have told her that much, even if Valdis had not suggested that already. It softened her tone a little. "It does matter. I don't believe you're a monster, for what it's worth." She shook her head. "Nor do I think you plan to repeat past actions. However, at one point those politics obviously made you believe the sacrifice was worth it. How, and why? That's what I seek to understand."