[ Her smile is small, but she appreciates the reminder. Her emotions are forever at extremes of recent months, both high and low. She is glad for how well he manages to keep her from falling or crushing herself. ]

Of course... I know. I still haven't given up on finding a way to face them. To break that barrier of theirs. I am certain that once I do, they will lose much of their control. Their true power lies in how little we actually understand.

[ Resting her chin over he knuckles, Vanessa glances to the book brought with her. She had already begun reading it that morning, but she hasn't managed to finish. ]

Do you know this author?

[ How well he seems to know every story, and yet there is always the chance for surprise when it comes to these other worlds. ]