[Her smile grows sheepish, not feeling any judgement and yet it's not an inaccurate assessment. Not even because she looks up to him, but also small talk is not her forte. She seeks people out when there's a purpose.]

I...we never had a chance to speak, after what happened in the beginning of the year. [The volume of her voice dips, hesitantly broaching the subject of that awful experience.] It was too chaotic, then, and afterward everyone was in recovery mode. Understandable, but I don't know if avoiding the topic forever will serve either of us. Kinloch Hold was our lives for so long, after all.

[As she stirs her tea, her gaze moves back to meet his.] So, it's as much what I can do for you, if you'll allow it. I don't want this to be one-sided; you have as much reason to vent as I...perhaps more.