The woman sensed a spell in progress and tensed, knowing this would be her end. The wind that suddenly whipped through the clearing only reassured her that she was correct. She had only the small dagger in her boot, but she kept it sharp, and knew that she could kill with it. The only problem, was that there was no way to do so unless he came close. She knew he wouldn't come close enough, as he was obviously a mage.<br/><br/>When the wind died down, the speed of her thoughts replaced it. She couldn't throw the dagger. It was only a waste of a weapon. There was no way to accurately plan the trajectory to plant the blade tip first on impact.<br/><br/>Her thoughts were interrupted when the bush suddenly moved and she found herself exposed. His face was kind and gentle, extremely young and innocent, but she was not fooled. She tensed and gripped the knife in her hand, pulling it from her boot a few inches, ready to attack. Every muscle in her body trembled with the thrill of imminent battle, the tingle of fear. Then he spoke.<br/><br/>She hesitated, blinking at him in surprise. What? He just wanted to talk? She couldn't believe that... Her eyes combed over him, searching for evidence of his deciet, landing on his eyes and locking there. She saw no lie, not even in his eyes.<br/><br/>Finally, with extreme apprehension, she spoke in a soft voice, "There is no conversation that cannot guarantee absolute honesty. This way, I intended to learn without violence or exposure."<br/><br/>She deliberately left his last question unanswered, avoiding the subject as she watched his reaction. She almost held her breath as she waited for an answer, then deliberately steadied her breathing to avoid any sign of fear or weakness.