Did Eleanor mind? No. Of course not. Not even a little bit, and as she realized that Arden was starting to cry, she could only regret that she hadn't thought to put something like tissues in her care basket.

Was she surprised, though? Yes, incredibly, wondering what it was she'd said or done to inspire that kind of reaction out of her, going over what she'd said as she held Arden softly, gently, comfortingly rubbing her back as she had so many younger students having a hard time at her old school.

"It's okay," she said. "It's alright. You're okay. Just let it out if you have to. I--"

She faltered a little.

What did it say about her, that she jumped straight to this conclusion that had upset Arden so much, that Arden apparently didn't even think of?

(It said she was a Zarrin, that's what it said).

(It says you've been in this same place yourself).

Eleanor started to feel the hot prick of tears in her eyes now, too, but she made herself focus on Arden, and she made herself think of what she would have needed then.

(You had what you needed; Luma tried to tell you...)

"I'm so sorry, Arden. I didn't mean to upset you."