[ The switch to public, on the back of all of the rest, has her drawn a breath inwards without words with which to expel it.

So it comes out as a sigh.

Challenge met, anyway. ]

You honour me, my lord, [ she says, affecting courtliness, for all that her frank look through the transmission is more knowing. ] At this time, I would prefer to pursue my own capabilities rather than ask others to commit themselves at the expense of their own pursuits. You've plenty of those.

[ Ambassadorial runs and shelters and farms. ]

But I'll retain your pledge for when I'm in need of a sword. In your hand or mine.