That wasn't exactly what Arialla wanted to hear from Amalia. Modesty didn't help her; she needed a leader, someone who would tell her what to do, how to fight. And she most definitely wanted to fight.
But she concealed her disappointment, trying to appreciate Amalia's sympathy -- and locking down her own Attuned bond very carefully so that Amalia couldn't sense her impatience in return. Instead Arialla forced a smile. "The gods placed me in Gideon's path because it was not my time to die. Still, I will be forever grateful to him. I ... would rather not talk about it, actually."
There was nothing to be gained by discussing the event, as far as Arialla was concerned. She didn't mind trotting it out as a set piece, using her scar to elicit sympathy and hatred of the Ascended -- but she didn't need Amalia's sympathy, shouldn't need to sway Amalia's mind. And, that being the case, she'd just as soon avoid the subject.
"Actually, I came to ask if you needed any help." Did that come out right? Arialla couldn't tell anymore. She clarified: "I want to serve in the coming conflict, but I don't know where to start."
please don't take my sunshine away
