Ulla studies him as he talks, drinks in his vehemence as he lists examples. Trust isn't something she's willing to give, but he seems sincere enough that she can at least summon up cautious optimism. "Thank you."

After a small pause, she admits, "I work custodial shifts because cleaning magic is easy and because Arthur promised to speak on my behalf if a warden ever wanted to take my power from me. It's little enough leverage, but it was what I had, when I had no idea who my warden would be." She'll probably keep showing up to work, but she feels less like she has to.

"And I suppose the Admiral did the recruiting, but we're bound together now."