Daine blinks in surprise. Asmodia had announced that she had magic, but Daine knows enough about the Gift to know changing your shape isn't always easy. To have it done simply by putting on a cloak is fair convenient. It doesn't entirely distract her from the flare of sympathetic pain she gets from Biscuit, though. She lets the mouse dart into her sleeve as she drops into a crouch, giving Biscuit a comforting pat. You ought to tell your mistress it hurts for your paws to touch the ground, she says.

The Balladeer's suggestion prompts such a strong emotional reaction in Daine that Flicker squawks in objection, opening his wings as if he might take off (or simply give the Balladeer a whack). No! she says to all available parties, punctuating it with a vigorous shake of her head. No. You definitely don't want to go there. I can take you somewhere safer.