There was alarm, and perhaps even sadness as Isla admitted she had seen the death of her own blood… a gentle smile that never quite made it to a snort at her humor laced words. She couldn’t bring herself to laugh with the tragic nature of what had occurred for her to make it. “Far from…” Perhaps Isla did not need an advisor, for being so sage with wisdom herself.

And yet, Nadine had just accepted the job, and Isla had insisted upon it all the same. “Then I am your advisor.” She would confirm. “And I hardly think you make a fool of yourself already.” Merely others did not understand, and could not see past what was admittedly (as Nadine knew from their first encounter) a sometimes icy exterior.

(Fade)