[ Hei stops mid-bite on the apple. He wonders the same thing. Is it the curse that's squeezed out this question, or something that's been brewing in Pai's mind? She's like him, that way. She tries to gauge every angle, to lay a framework for risks and eventualities, her manner calm, her decisions matter-of-fact. But beneath that, there's something always simmering, always ticking. And, like him, she has a gift for grimness, a humorless intensity. He isn't going to get out of this -- whatever it is -- with sarcasm or misdirection. ]

[ He clicks his tongue against his teeth and tries to settle on something honest. His gaze is half-shuttered, his voice quiet, as if he's gone shy. But Amber -- talking about her -- often has that effect on him. ]

Take care of her. The way I take care of you. [ It's another way of saying: I'd be glad she's with us.. He glances up at Pai then, with a meaningful look, brow arched. ] But I don't know what I'd do specifically. [ An exhale. ] Not until I understand how Amber would feel about this place.