<em>There you go again, opening your mouth without thinking anything through,</em>Mariska thought, chiding herself.  She looked over at Arioch and offered him a weak smile.  "I apologize," she said, hoping he would hear the sincerity in her voice.   "I...sometimes let my cyncism get the better of me, I suppose.  You are right, and I hope you will forget what I said."<br/><br/>Her smile grew a little, and she favored both the girl and Arioch with it.  "Let us see her safely home."