[He stiffens slightly at first. Maya doesn't say things the way he interprets that statement, cutting and sarcastic, but it's a possibility that catches him all the same. He reads tone into words before he can stop himself, readying himself for a possible battle that doesn't come.]

[She meant it. . . . Strange.]

. . . I'm making up for lost time.

[It sounds like a joke. Dry as dust. Even as he watches her, thoughtful and watchful. Does he trust this? There's no reason not to. Maya doesn't deceive. Not in such a direct way, at least.]

Trust isn't always reciprocal, unfortunately. But I appreciate your willingness to give it.

[He glances over at the shrine, frown lingering on his lips, looking troubled.]

What kinds of contradictory truths did you mean? The ones that don't match up.