[ His response earns a look of muted surprise from her, like she hadn't expected such a sincere and earnest answer to what was, to her, just a moment of habitual self-deprecation. A deflection even, meant to prevent anyone from seeing her too clearly. But it seems like it might be a little too late for that, with this one. He's seen her more clearly than most, and his words catch her off guard.

It takes her a half-beat to reply, but when she does, she holds his gaze steadily, offering in return an honesty that's rare for her. Earned. ]

...Maybe it's just that I'm tired of the things I am good for.

[ With that, she eases from her seat at the bar, leaving enough payment for the both of them before reaching out to pat him lightly on the shoulder. ]

Welcome to Trench, Ortus. If I'm lucky, we'll get a chance to talk again.