You don't need to. [He says it knowing she's not really the kind to sit back and accept that there's nothing that can be done. Still has to say it, anyway, because it shouldn't have to be something she's been dragged into; being in Etraya at all is crazy enough to take in all at once.] ... Not yet, anyway.
[A silent lull follows, but it's not because there's nothing else to say. Rather, he needs a moment to choose his words. He's gotten a little better at them these days, but — mm. Still could use some practice. He clears his throat.]
Need to talk to the others involved... Most of them already have doubts. About wanting to follow through. [If all of them can unite on that front, maybe get Connor to 'deviate'... Then Etraya might have the advantage here. And maybe... maybe they can be salvaged by Aurora. It's probably as obvious as a nose on a face, but Solmara isn't exactly a paradise they all would like to go back to.] If we're all in agreement — we can tell the truth. Try to bargain with Aurora. With Etraya.
[He looks to her.]
If Aurora can keep us... [That's a big 'if', he admits.] Solmara might come looking.
no subject
[A silent lull follows, but it's not because there's nothing else to say. Rather, he needs a moment to choose his words. He's gotten a little better at them these days, but — mm. Still could use some practice. He clears his throat.]
Need to talk to the others involved... Most of them already have doubts. About wanting to follow through. [If all of them can unite on that front, maybe get Connor to 'deviate'... Then Etraya might have the advantage here. And maybe... maybe they can be salvaged by Aurora. It's probably as obvious as a nose on a face, but Solmara isn't exactly a paradise they all would like to go back to.] If we're all in agreement — we can tell the truth. Try to bargain with Aurora. With Etraya.
[He looks to her.]
If Aurora can keep us... [That's a big 'if', he admits.] Solmara might come looking.
We'll need to be able to keep them back.