[ And there's the little huff of relief once he accepts. The feeling's absolutely mutual on both sides. A strange little dichotomy where she understands the importance of community, wants nothing more than to be able to help — as she has always done, as a leader or otherwise — but finds it difficult to receive it for herself.

She's never been good at feeling helpless. But she's also not exactly in a position to be picky about the fact that he seems to be indulging her more than accepting her help. ] I suppose there's some logic in that. Once I'm more knowledgeable, I would be able to help others in turn.

Still, I would not want you to think I'm taking your kindness for granted. As you said yourself, we're all trying to survive in this place. [ She's throwing his words back at him, but somehow there's not a hint of smugness in it. ] Your time and expertise is just as valuable as gold.