[ if it's any comfort to him at all, she keeps the spear trained up, definitely -- at the creature. she doesn't like the way it's hovering over him, and she definitely doesn't like how it's absorbing the mist coming from him. it's probably a metaphysical thing -- he might have to fight it off himself like she suspects he'll have to break free of his own chains, but she's prepared to fend it off if she needs to. ]

[ she lets out a very quiet laugh, herself, and a trace of black mist escapes from her mouth as well. it's faint, but it's there. ]

I don't think anyone really wants to be left alone. But it's hard.... not to be scared, if you've been hurt by people before. People you trusted. People who should have been protecting you.

[ her smile is a little sad, and it's clear that she might be talking about her own experiences here instead of his. there's a note of empathy. ]

[ and maya takes a deep breath, centering heself. gotta stay on track, here, this isn't about her. ]

You know what, though? I don't think you should have known better. I think you did know, and you tried anyway. And I think that's very brave. In fact.....

[ ... ]

I don't think that's wrong at all. To think things might end differently. To want to be able to be close to people. I think you deserve that.

[ she sounds completely sincere, for whatever that's worth. ]