Amuné flung her empty arm up instinctively, trying to shield herself from the sudden brightness that assailed her senses, making her take a step back.  She said nothing in response to his words, at first.  Her last thought before he turned away, one he might catch the gist of, was that she'd had enough and more already, years ago.  "Not the only one, not any more," she said quietly, wrestling her feelings into line and putting her thoughts in order.  "I am nobody's tool.  If he wants to use me, then I am going to fight as well."  Her confidence had taken a blow, and her determination was shaken, but she tried not to show that too openly.  Somehow she still managed to find the quiet strength she drew on when things took a turn for the worse, even though this was far beyond any of those times.  But she said it as much for herself as for him, reminding herself where she stood.

Ketsuoana seemed to expect her presence, so she made to follow him.  Mae still knelt on the floor, and after a few steps the young woman paused and looked back at her.  "You want to protect him," she said after a moment.  "Tsitua, I mean.  It's...not an unfamiliar feeling."  The Seer sighed.  "I don't blame you.  And I'm not angry at you.  Not really.  ...I'm sorry too."  She managed a weak smile before hurrying to catch up with the strange man that had just left the room.

[@TheMinorFall]