[ She doesn't quite wait on him the way a servant does — they're friends, almost family now, so there isn't room for that sort of thing — but there is a very particular attentiveness that Alayne pays to Jack whenever she's around. When they'd all been together under COMPASS, it was something she would do with Isaac constantly. Halfway between wheedling and neediness, the need to be a constant presence — if only to provide and, therefore, be wanted. Despite everything they've been through together there is still that thin thread of worry in all that Alayne does. What if I'm not good enough? What if he's unhappy? It colors the things that she does, just as she wrings her hands a little until Jack finally drops himself into a chair.

Only then does Alayne speak. His relief is echoed with a small noise of her own. ]

I sold a dress today. [ Her voice is equal parts proud and gossipy and she comes round and perches herself on the edge of the chair beside him. ] To a woman I am certain will fail to fit it in, though she refused to listen to a word any of us said. We could have lived like lord and lady for a month on the cost alone. [ Alayne sighs. ] It was a very pretty dress. [ All of Alayne's clothes are plain and dull, now that they must scrape together a modest living. ]