It was only once Valdis had come near and taken his hand that Anton turned, staring down at her. For a moment his eyes flickered with something impassioned, rage or hatred or something else; but it was only distant. A moment later he focussed on her, and it was gone.

"Please," he said, following her prompt until they reached a clear area.. His voice was tight, the sort where emotions were near the surface.

Valdis wasn't nearly as tall as China, Anton noted absently as they took positions. That was good. A discrepancy. A difference on which to focus.