[ It really isn't a very good track record, is it? Trahearne isn't sure what it is about Aerith that makes Eustace want to do that to her--she strikes him as a very kind woman, all things considered--but he can't help the quiet chuckle when she says that anyway.

But as her voice takes on a more serious tone, his brows raise a bit in concern. The thought that it could have genuinely been the end for all of them had not escaped him, either. There's a sting in his chest, a reminder from his yet-healing wound that he was lucky it was not a real bullet.

His smile takes on a lopsided quality when she says her last statement. ]

In spirit, I suppose. If only I had been there physically to help.

[ He guides them both around a corner and onto another street, this one a bit quieter than the last. Ahead, he spots the cafe he had in mind, but makes no mention of or motion to it yet. There's no rush, as far as he's concerned. ]

It would have been an honour to fight alongside you again. I was rather impressed back in Oz; it would have been a delight to see what you can do against more than mere monkeys.

[ He turns back to look at her. ] I'm glad you're doing better.