"You always have a very roundabout way of saying that you care," she said. "There's no shame in that." Unless there was for Androids, but he hadn't given her the impression that they had any kind of shame culture.

She settled herself on the branch, letting her feet dangle over the side, leaning against the trunk for balance. This was how she used to talk to other Alastrians. Her brothers and sisters. Elves were too dignified to climb trees.

"Anyway, I'm not sure that the issues causing me distress really can be fully resolved..."