[ Whereas he establishes command of a situation by way of eloquence in word and deed, the child is true to form, forging order from chaos with an iron fist, inelegant and primitive but devastatingly effective in her element. Yet situated outside of her realm, her tactics recall the conduct of a lunatic or rabid beast unfit to navigate the complexities of the Real World. Even so, Millie knows she is a visitor, a temporary psychosis inflicted on reality, and so she refuses the rule of common sense. Her might allows for such conceit; but is might enough to lay the enigma of Edward bare? Father would have him eating out of his hand! or so she believes. But she cannot consult an absence for instruction. She is alone. ]

Recruit... you?

[ She needs no demonstration to corroborate his power; what he can and cannot do is indeed valuable information, but the presence of a power in him is evidenced by their connection. He is therefore a thing to be resolved into the role of ally or enemy. Father would not brook neutrality from one entwined in his fate. But should she make common cause with an adult?

Millie looks to her left and right, deliberating the wisdom of satisfying his queries. Fine, a potential subordinate must be apprised. ]

I hail from Christmasland, a place not of this world for children alone. But something's wrong with Christmasland. Gumdrop Avenue is collapsing. The Sleigh Coaster won't move an inch! These are not things that age or break; they are broken by another.

[ Millie sits on his chest without thought for the absurdity of the action, her gaze distant, before returning to him. ]

Are you friend or foe? You're too bound up in my fate to let alone. Declare yourself or draw blood.