( a fact she knows all too well. the encircled wrist would be a real danger if the one holding her were any other. mages of her brand do their best work at a distance - to be rendered immobile or silent may as well spell their deaths and seal their coffins. it'd be all too simple for him, too. he's dispatched threats far worse than herself.

it's by grace and luck that she happens to be on the right side of the line he's drawn does she get to keep her hand. that, she also knows. these are the differences between them that she's been made eminently more aware of in these last few suns since their arrival.

it does not mean she releases him though. because it's only now does she realize that he's managed to lead her right where he needs her to be, and she feels just a little cornered despite herself, so she'll take what little form of rebellion she can. )

To ask that you be made smaller, to be something more frail and utterly defenseless in this space rather than suffer a slight pinch - ( it's a measured cadence, neither angry nor surprised, like this was something she's seen a long time coming. his eyes are keen and a man that plays the fool is never truly one. ) - is that what this is truly about?

( to see if she even can? )

'Tis quite the gamble.