[she listened to him quietly. she got up from her position and from her many stacks of books and papers and made her way to the kitchen. as he talked about the situation, about the ice queen and all that had happened, she put on the kettle. it was time for some tea.

she rubbed her eyes, kicking herself for missing out on what happened. she could have stopped it, she could have helped in some way. she could have perhaps saved cloud that kind of torment for days.

she sighed a little, both in relief and frustration.]

Do not apologize. [she shook her head, her answer was firm but soft.] I should be the one to apologize- I hadn't realized what was going on. Typically, I am on top of things but lately...

[she hasn't been a very good tactician, she knows that much.] As long as you are alright.