Somehow, she sensed his struggle. Mostly because of the way he trailed off. When he spoke again, he said just about the last thing she would have expected. So Ariadne couldn't help it. She let out a little giggle.

Not at him. Ariadne didn't laugh at people.

It was just a soft, bell-like sound.

"I don't know about that," she said. "I suppose it depends on how much you like the color green." A lame attempt at a joke. But it was fine. It was going to be fine. "I'll show you," she continued, feeling bold, "but only if you promise not to freak out, okay?"