[CupcakeDolly]

Rue opened one eye at hearing the Artificer speak to her, then stretched luxuriously on the floor like a lazy cat. She muttered something hateful under her breath, then picked up the chocolate with her thumb and forefinger, eyeing it suspiciously. She hadn't sensed any prominent malice or ill-intentions in the man, however, and her stomach chimed in with its opinion on what to do by uttering a gigantic growl. She ate the candy slowly, making a face - even if they were in short supply, she had never much cared for sweets.

Eyeing the surrounding group, Rue felt a rare pang of nostalgia and on a whim sent a quick message: "Are you safe?"

"Ruebella!" she heard the reply in her mind. "Yes! Where are you?"

Rue quickly ceased speaking to her sister, knowing that her mother and the head of their family would be taking advantage of the girl's weak psychic blocks in order to eavesdrop. She sat in silence for a few moments, studying their surroundings and mulling over her next move.