[ It is a tidy explanation, and so he accepts it without further pressing. The greater point of this conversation, after all, was to decrease his presence as a threat in her eyes.

The smile he gives her is small and pitying, and still faintly faraway with thought. ]

Formidable indeed. I will bear her story in mind.

[ He rallies to a smoother smile, a tip of the head that is both acknowledgment and the beginnings of a polite dismissal. She has given him all he wanted and more; he'll not hold her here in discomfort any longer. ]

And should you want any more stories, Shannon, do know you're always welcome to come and read with me in here.