[ He nods to Ruby as she puts her weapon aside, grateful for her astuteness. The young Forest Talker doesn't fully relax, but something in the way he's holding himself turns from tense to simply uncertain. He can't be much older than the girl.

Fraser continues to pitch his voice low and steady, keeping his eyes on the younger man. ]

We know about the Yawning Grave. But I don't believe we need to tip this world into destruction. I think it's always worthwhile to protect life: yours as well as ours.