[ It's the closest he's come to an easy conversation in years and it's as close to frank as Alayne is capable of being without deliberateness prickling at the back of her neck or forcing her to curve every answer into a pleasing shape. When she replies it isn't premeditated. Her voice is surprisingly matter-of-fact (though there's a vulnerability there too, hidden between the words). ]

Or perhaps I am simply eager to please. [ A pause as she considers whether to explain. In the end, she does. ] To be a wanted is to have purpose, and to be needed is to be purpose.