Raven tensed again, still not used to being touched--but she was still, and so Elizabeth was allowed to run her fingers across the dark-purple strands cut short. "Not all women are, and some men are very good at secret-keeping too, but...much of my life is spent in the shadows."

"If you're feeling better, bed would likely be a good idea soon, Elizabeth." It was said mildly though, as Raven was trying to be solicitous. Sometimes people needed to talk things out though, to purge their inner worries, and if Elizabeth wasn't finished with that, then Raven would wait.