What an interesting new power she had over him now! Could she really pluck at his heartstrings with the flash of a wink? His sudden flare of ardor and proclamation to protect her confirmed it.

Interestingly enough, she noticed to herself, she wasn't nearly as annoyed as she thought she'd be by his brotherly instincts taking over so powerfully now that he was a she. In fact, she might be enjoying picturing how worked up he could get over her safety.

"No need to get so hostile so soon!" she advised, pushing one of her fingers up in the air and wagging it back and forth. "I can see where your concern lies, but don't forget. I, Cress, am completely capable of fending for myself against suitors. What difference does it make if they are men?"