#replies: threads

          “a beast can never be as cruel as a human being,” she says. and though she is watchful of the dragon, wary, certainly respectful of its power, there is no fear as such on her face, in her eyes. she does not tremble, any stronger feeling than that careful watchfulness locked up tight. and this, perhaps....this is her best explanation. she has seen human cruelty, too. she has not been shielded from all of it. her head does not dip, there is little by way of deference, but her chin lowers, eyes still steady. “...not even a dragon.”