[ Ciri doesn't mind. He won't get the sense from her that she's waiting impatiently for an answer, and she doesn't stare at him; a glance tells her he's thinking, and so she continues walking apace, giving him all the time he needs.

It is rather flattering what he ends up saying. The only person? A smile flickers at the edges of Ciri's lips. The poor man sounds as confused as she feels.

After a moment, she reaches over to take his hand. ]

I've spent most of my life having choices taken from me.

Here, I find myself faced with more than I could have thought possible.

[ She gives his fingers a squeeze. ]

What I want is to enjoy that freedom.

[ When it comes down to it, she does have an interest in Hilda. She might have an interest in others, too. It's all relatively new for her, and she wants to experience it, now that she has a chance to slow down and do so. Whatever constant trouble the Singularity or the political bullshit in Abraxas throws their way, to Ciri, most of it is still easier to handle than where she'd been before. And, most importantly, she's not alone. ]