She clenched her teeth at that and began to play with the shot glass, rolling it on its edge. “I’m a pragmatist, Valdaris. There was a problem, and I solved it. And now I have a new problem, which requires a new solution.” She put the shot glass down flat on the table again and looked up to him. “In much the same way, the people who are—who<em>were</em>—above me, are also pragmatic. They solved one problem, and thus emerged a new problem. I don’t take it personally, anymore than I take your watching me like a hawk personally.”<br/><br/>Despite her words, Valdaris could see the hurt in her as she spoke, the feeling of betrayal and disgust clearly etched on her face. [Deception failed vs. Passive Insight]<br/><br/>She reached down and undid her belt, taking her shortsword off her waist. Putting it at the far end of the table, she looked back to him. “But what I do take personally, is this.” She pointed at the ale. “Now, I’m going to get another serving of this much finer brandy, but here is my sword, to help soothe your nerves that I’ll return.” She stood and held out her hand next to him. “The coin purse, please.”