I am fine.

[ it's said quickly, in reassurance, but inej almost feels as if she's at a loss already. the other girl looks as if she's still upset, still on the verge of panic, and inej has no idea how to deal with that.

but then, she remembers when she was stuck in the prison wagon. when kaz was next to her, on the verge of panic himself, from being touched. being trapped. what had he told her to do, then? keep talking. about anything. distraction had worked with him. perhaps it worked with yang, too.

and so inej takes half a step forward, careful to maintain some level of space, and she doesn't touch her. instead, her voice remains soft, but firm, to cut through whatever yang is hearing: ]

Yang. I am Inej.

[ may as well introduce herself. ]

And I hear them too, the voices -- from my own past, and I am telling you, whatever you are hearing is not real. We are in this hallway alone, but together. Whatever is attempting to bewitch you is not here.

[ neither is tante halene, or the smell of her disgusting floral perfume. ]

We can find our way out together. We should go to where more people are, so we are not alone. Can you come with me?