The Sunspire winning was easy, governing's harder

In time, Rannoch would reflect upon this conversation as a learning experience. It would be a turning point, of sorts, in how he approached Liffey when their views conflicted. Rannoch recognized the exhaustion in her voice, and her agreeing with his winded monologue did not sit well with him. He was left to wonder what was going through her mind, and he did not indulge further in their exchange— he knew nothing good would come of it.

Rannoch hoisted himself onto all fours and teetered a step towards her; he would not step any closer if she did not want him to— he was testing her boundaries and hoped that she'd allow him to come closer.