[ Had the delivery not been so intentional, Himeka would have absolutely taken Nebula at her word. "Trial by Combat" has been something employed so liberally across her own travels that she wouldn't question it's ethics in whatever culture Nebula was raised in.

Still, Himeka gives it a moment's thought. ]

Fighting side-by-side with someone is a decent way to earn trust, I think.

[ It may not be what Nebula meant, but there is a ring of truth to it.

But considering how firmly she states it, it seems clear that betrayal is something that Nebula has felt just as deeply. How or why, she has a feeling the other woman may not want to share, but Himeka is a patient person. It certainly makes sense that trusting others would be exceedingly more difficult when burned time and time again. ]

Is trust something you think can be earned back after broken?