[ There have been many previous instances of others talking at, rather than with, her. It seems a habit of those who think aloud, her included, and she doesn't mind besides, when she holds to the imperfect opinion that airing something out is better always than keeping it in. Better to speak of possible massacres than to keep silent as one pulls the trigger.

Her own mind is a whirr of activity, different pieces of possibilities slotted in and set aside, the many ways this could unfold. She nudges a swinging branch in her way, watching how unpredictably it wobbles in the wind. ]

You've been around long enough, haven't you, Lyr?

[ This time she rests her gaze squarely on him. ]

Have we ever struck back at the Enemy successfully? Have we ever scored even a little victory?