Gabranth is caught in a double-take, and even if the girl hadn’t spoken, he would find himself unable to disengage. It isn’t her appearance which makes him stare — ancient Ivalician legends spoke of a lost people with bird-like appendages, and he’s already seen much stranger things in this strange world, besides — rather, it’s her youth which gives him pause.

That the cosmic tragedy which drew him and so many others into this cruel situation should see fit to include a child among their number... He can hardly think of anything crueler.

Unconsciously, his expression softens from a surprised stare to a pitying look. “I don’t know,” he answers honestly, his voice low. “At this moment, I see no path forward save to comply...or to escape.”

Or to try to escape, at least. But that’s not even close to a sure thing, and already he’s uncertain that he should even suggest the possibility to this girl. Better not to imply even the faintest glimmer of hope where there may be none, after all.