[ Briar's little wooden practice sword looks particularly feeble in comparison, huh... as does the look on her face. She tries to give him a smile, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. ]

Neither did I, really. But with everything that's happening... I have to do everything I can to keep myself and everyone safe. And if I don't go back to this... then I'm not really doing 'everything', am I?

[ Even if it feels strange and ill-fitting to be stood here, holding a sword instead of a quill. ]