Rikku failed spectacularly at hiding the wince that resulted. Her time with Paine gave her a tough skin for dealing with blunt people. Still, that was extra harsh. Shizel had always been a grump, but the woman had become...off lately.

With everything going on, who could blame someone - maybe becoming cold and distant and...cruel was a defense mechanism? The thief hated being alone - it was hard for her to believe anyone could truly want that. She shrugged the insult off, lacing her hands behind her back and looking at the map to try to find whatever was so intriguing as she rocking from heel to toe.

"Is this your first fight?"