She's got the devil's eyes
She is met by a friendly greeting, allaying any doubts she might have had (though it’s true if she does have them, they are never acknowledged). Still, she might have explained the situation to him sooner. Foolishly however, she had held out hope that her grandson and his consort’s motives were as pure as they claimed. She should know better than that, but she is, regrettably, not infallible.
As Aten falls in beside her, acquiescing to her request for him to walk with her, she remains silent for several long heartbeats. Ostensibly, if asked, she might say it is so she can gather her thoughts and frame them properly. While that does have truth in it, it also has just as much to do with long-held habit, disinclination to divulge sensitive information, and a keen desire to thwart any potential listeners.
Of course, in this instance, she has little choice but to do so. She cannot do everything alone, and there must come days she makes a conscious decision to place her hard-earned trust in others.
“Nerine is as it always has been,” Heartfire finally replies, her non-answer answer enough. She suspects Aten has developed enough of an understanding of her to know she, and therefore Nerine, are never truly resting. “For the time being, at least.” The last qualification offers a rather blunt segway into her purpose here. Her blue eyes cut sharply to Aten as she continues forward in an almost relaxed manner. “Unfortunately this is more than just a social visit.”
Not that she is particularly well known for her social acumen as it is.
After another breath of silence, she continues, her voice low, almost thoughtful. “How much of their plans have Lepis and Wolfbane divulged to you?”
Not enough, she knows. But she would hear it for herself.
and they'll cut you like a weapon