Emberwood and through it all, a dying wind of change blew

If her words were extra bright, and her questions extra quick, it was doubtful he'd be able to tell.  She'd only met him once before, after all.  A good part of her enthusiasm wasn't a lie - she really was excited to see him.   Happy.  She was happy.

There was definitely an interesting story behind what he said, but he followed it up with a question for her back.  No, I was visiting my brother, she answered before turning the conversation back towards him.  They took someone, and you rescued them?  Hold on, you have to tell me that story!  Then she cut off, and backtracked.  I mean, if you want.

Sometimes it was hard to remember that stories that were fun to hear weren't always so fun to tell, and she didn't want to bring him down.