[ it's ingrained into her at this point. petronilla may not have known how to raise a child, but she knew how to hone one into a weapon, to instill the value of observation and survival. fontaine has only ever needed her for her skills with the sword, nothing more and nothing less. to be dulled would be the equivalent of death. ]

And art takes practice, does it not?

[ getting the hang of it, so to speak. but it's a measured answer, balanced in its humility. clorinde isn't a master in doublespeak like wriothesley is — her actions were always louder than her words — but even she can admire it, her smile growing a little wider. ]

I've no expectations, so you don't need to worry. But I've a feeling you wouldn't anyway.

[ the people pleaser as he is. just a hunch, of course.

but the bungalow is blessedly empty, at least. she changes into the bikini quickly and opts to keep the robe on (as it's a little... smaller, for lack of a better term), using the tie from it to secure her hair into a ponytail instead as she returns to him. ]

Were you in the middle of something earlier? I hope I didn't inconvenience you too much. If there's something you need assistance with, I'd like to provide it.