[That earns a faint smile from her. She'd like to believe that about herself as much as he seems to.

Still, it's nice to hear, and she murmurs:]

You're sweet, Atem.

[Trish listens as she moves to flank him, inspecting the courtyard with rapt attention. It's opulent and masterfully crafted, this place...and then she glances his way, meeting his eyes when he turns.

He...only remembers when he was a little boy? Oh, he was such a polite boy too. It's easy to see how he grew into the young man he is now, someone fascinated by the world around him and eager to sift through everything it has to offer.

But then he's saying something so solemn, and she watches him carefully.]

Oh...I didn't mean to bring up an unpleasant topic.

[Her question was innocuous on its face, but Atem is someone she really...doesn't know anything about. She likes him and trusts him, but it's an evergreen problem with her and the people around her, isn't it?

And maybe she's a little more wary of treading on uncertain ground, after everything.]

We can talk about something else, if you want.