The trouble of owning nothing without purpose: It always strikes you as odd, all these people who do. Kain's belongings are few, but they speak to interests and sentimentality that extend beyond this little camp. The trappings of a life outside his oaths.

How strange that must be.

"I am not in the habit of levity,"

That's a lie; she jokes plenty. But Wren jokes to put others at ease, to put herself at ease, and there is nothing easy about this. Better to lean into the impression that her rank and age favour. Better to look like a hardass.

Never too difficult. The boy's manner speaks to some military training — she's used to wearing her authority around such.

"Finish it." A curt gesture, not a request. She's not about to attempt this until she knows she can have it out in one go. "To the end."