When she returned, she seemed both happy and sad.

She kissed my forehead: "I gained an approval in the fight tonight. Though I was defending a superior attacker because she can fly. She never pressed that advantage past my aura of internal power.

But she did say hurtful things. The kinds of things I never expected her to say.

Maybe she said those things to make sure they were said. The kinds of words I might expect from some others. Maybe she agreed to do it, and challenge me.

My resolve for you is not shaken.

Do me favor.. will you? If I look down or sad. Can you find our gaze? Remind me of my earnest first confidence?"

I was groggy, so a simple 'mmhh' was best I could do.

She still sparkled. Just a bit more distracted.