[ * It puts a finger up to its visor. It hasn't spoken to her, technically. Of course it's a pedant. Why wouldn't it be. ]

[ * ...Or, perhaps, this is a suggestion to stay quiet. Her cover, which is very real, is already being blown, isn't it? ]

[ * It nods knowingly, and does as advised. ]

[ * Time and a place. It knows exactly where the reveal should be. ]

[ * (Let it be known "Esther" nearly took the blame.) ]
[ * (No, it would not have known this.) ]

[ * It nods, pulling it up to prove it. ]

[ * There are several names you recognize, and some you do not. ]

W h a t a h a c k - c k .

[ * It shakes its head. This is not the girl you are looking for. If it was, at some point, it certainly isn't now. This is all there is, and all there will be (until a future chapter inevitably discredits its presence). ]

[ * ...But, the familiarity doesn't simply disappear. ]

[ * Maybe that is a good thing. Maybe that's character development. If the Knight resounded more strongly, perhaps this would mean something. ]

[ * ...Not that it matters. It nods. A zephyr, not gentle but not harsh, whips behind it. ]

[ * ...Hm. It's never had to actually interface with her before. She's- not an outsider, per se, the cage knows her. But her presence in the tapestry is an inch deep, generously. ]

[ * Wordlessly, electing to entertain rather than immediately knock her the fuck out, it bows in greeting. ]

[ * It would stare incredulously back at her if it had eyes that worked like fucking eyes. But it doesn't so it's just standing there, menacingly. ]

[ * It laugh so hard it doubles over. ]

[ * The second she looks too far away, it seems to vanish. ]