"The Fallen?" they ask, head tilted as though listening to something no one else can hear. "And—are they chasing me toward something, or away, or just to catch me—"

They pause. "That's too many questions, isn't it. I should—" They reach for a purse they're not carrying. "—bring my purse next time! Um. Do you take payment in jewelry?" They gesture at their head. "I made these earrings."