[ If only she could read minds. Does Jesse have that power? She should find a proper moment to ask...

She knows that whatever it is has nothing to do with this, and Anne's lighter tone suggests she's aware, but she continues on her faux ignorance. There ARE important matters at hand, ice cream and all. ]

Is there a plan, then? To calm this strife? I worry for the state of my charge, and how oft I must confide him to the apartments because of constant turmoil. Monsters these rebels may not be, but trouble and pain they make just the same no matter what they state of their plight.

[ She takes a small bite, thoughtfully holding the tip of the spoon to her lower lip before speaking again. ]

I am offended they claim to speak for me.