[ The revelation that Lord Arundel was not Lord Arundel was a slow-dawning horror at a time when she was at first too distracted by other more immediate -- more tangible -- horrors but she has never gotten over it. He betrayed her entire family, he walked the halls of her home while she was a prisoner, he took away almost everyone she loved, and after her release he visited her without warning as though checking to make sure his tool still worked properly. Suspicion has been a close companion of hers because anyone may be compromised.

Her relationship with Shez hasn't been entirely straightforward. Her trust is measured out in increments -- what other choice does she have? -- but he's been a different story. His abilities are similar to those demonstrated by those who slither in the dark but his intentions never have been and she'd be willing to say she has rarely met someone so unapologetically themselves.

And he is a bloodhound when it comes to finding those with similar magic. What he says about Hubert makes her smile (that's her Hubert) but it's "six months" (six! months!) that pingpongs around her head. ]

From where I stand he trusts you quite a bit.

[ Reluctantly, yes, and not without reservation but trust without reservation is nearly impossible. In a way she thinks Hubert will always exercise a certain amount of distrust so she can feel less plagued by it. Over the past two years she has slowly grown more hopeful; living without the constant presence of Thales has given her a sense of freedom that she hasn't felt since...

Well. Since her visit to Faerghus, which was still limited freedom but she and Dee regularly ran off as they wished.

She wants to trust people when they have earned it. Hubert does not share that desire with any fervor. ]

If he trusted you any more you should worry that he is not who he says he is.

But has it truly been six months for you? You have much to catch me up on. I am only weeks away from the attempt myself.