Wren’s mouth popped open, bobbed, then closed. She was shocked into a momentary silence. After thinking about what she was going to say and how she was going to say it, she slowly explained,

“I know that you are a Nevermerean, Odina. It is not easy to forget.” Her green gaze looked over the other woman before hardening. “Secrecy and slit throats are not the Cambrian way. We move in the light of day, with the sun on our shoulders.”

She had said and asked the wrong thing, her hands began to nervously rub together, "No, no, yes you're right," Odina was embarrassed but Wren seemed to know the true nature that plauged most Nevermeren women: chaos. Tricks and snakes...was that all Odina Ellis was? Trickery and deceit? More and more Odina was second guessing herself more which showed perhaps her lack of politicking (Kennet's word).

"Sorry..."

Wren didn’t know what to make of the woman’s apology. She didn’t notice her shaking hands, as her eyes remained fixed on the other woman’s face.

“You have no need for your apology.” Wren’s own town grew gentle, sounding very much like a stroke. “I simply mean to say…if that woman hinders the liberation of Cambria then she will need to be cut down—and I will do it in the light of day, as my actions are not of shame but of salvation.”

"Understood and when I...we...set off for this meeting should it be granted I want you right beside me," Odina did find comfort in Wrens words, "and if she need to be slain then it is by your blade I wish for her to be struck down by," Odina smoothed out the front of her top, "...it would be good to have the Valkyrie on our side, their influence would settle those who mistrust me."

Wren listened to Odina, and when she responded it was slowly and carefully.

“I will not tell my sisters to support you.” She hoped she was making herself clear. “I am standing beside you…but I have my hesitations. I would not lead the Valkyrie astray. With time you will prove yourself…and only when I am certain will I bring others in.” Her gaze jumped over Odina’s face, challenging her in a way. Then,

“But I will go with you to Coheed.”

"That's fair," and that's all Odina would say any further, "and thank you, as soon as I hear word from Coheed I will send for you," and Odina paused to see if anything else came up that Wren wished to discuss.