[A quiet hum in place of a nod, still holding still as bits of white hair fall on the blanket in soft flurries.]

I wonder how close we are to the coast. It's hard to tell from the maps.

[And it's not like the Russian Empire back home ever had cities named Nesreca or Credinta.]

[musing aloud:] If we can leave the city, find someplace where they won't know us and at least live there until we we can go home...

[It would make life better for everyone, but at the same time, Allen gets the feeling the clue they need is right here in Nesreca. If they could at least get the children and non-combatants somewhere safe, though...]

[At Lavi's observation, he lowers his gaze to his knees guiltily, but only because it's probably hard for Lavi to catch it at that angle.]

I don't doubt they will soon. Tyki's been doing alright.

[It's not the only source of tension, of course, but it's the one they can talk openly about. Besides, he plans to check on Lenalee after this.]