"I would like to go outside, place at least nominal distance between my brain and disturbing input. But Oorie has already gone. On the guard's shoe. It was a sufficiant lesson in coming between a canine and a tree, I believe." River offered a happy smile, however. "I would like the company. There is much erroneous assumption that this girl is inable to defend herself. This is only sometimes true."

Indeed, River accepted that sometimes she could become a fighter equal to Faith, and other times she could become so overwhelmed by the violent thoughts of others that she was a whimpering ball of useless.

"Night air brings the stars closer. She feels a step closer to home."