[The gesture of comfort--his question--it's hard for Aara to wrap her mind around. Is that it? Did it really seem to paltry? She didn't know if she should be relieved, or worried that he didn't understand. She leans into him, allowing herself that bit of comfort.]

I'm... dangerous Xanth. I've never hurt anyone before.

[Her muscles tense.]

I am of a race that allows me to turn into what humans call a dragon. If...if anything like that happens again...

I need to be sure my friends stay away. Or...get rid of me.

[A small gurgle of a laugh that sounds more petrified than received.]

At least...it had not been too hard.

[She's shaking--trembling--but her mind is far off now, and she has yet to realize it.]