Snowforest Taiga wind shear

Alya pulled back a measure to offer a clear, steady gaze. She was not the sort of woman who was unable to lie with her eyes, but Aditya might not know that, and in any case, she was being truthful in that moment. "It is not about repayment," she said when he'd had time to glean as much from the look in her eyes. "You are not the only one who is alone, Aditya. I am tired of being alone."

It was more than that, though. It was something Alya was not ready to admit to - that she had come to care - at least a certain measure - about what happened to Aditya. Had he not cared for her? Alya was a cold woman, but she was not without a heart. Besides, she had always believed in reciprocity, had always admired those that paid their dues and performed their duties. And no, Aditya was not one of her own - was not Moonspear - but perhaps she was becoming one of them, a little. No less herself, but perhaps something a little more than she had been.

"Just talk to me. We're friends now, aren't we? Friends can talk."