[ A pirate with standards? In truth, the only pirates she's ever met call themselves sailors and never seemed the type to divulge. Charles is a curious one indeed. Alysia gives him a considering look, leaning back slightly to put more weight on one of her legs. What he's offering - as far-fetched as it is - resonates with her. Freedom, the seas, an opportunity to start anew. She doubts she should take it...but it isn't a poor offer, either.

In fact, she quite likes it. ]

I do not wish to see the world for its splendor...though it would be a particular bonus. What I want--

[ To learn. To know weaknesses. To deal in secrets. To never allow someone else to disgrace her again. To go home. She cannot allow Lorelei to be alone, not when an assassin is following her every movement.

Her tone is firm when she speaks: ]

You cannot offer me what I want.

[ No one can. It isn't Charles' fault, in that sense. Alysia has lofty ambitions and would see the demolition of all she calls her enemies. But what he offers, in turn, is something she's never had before. In truth, she doesn't know what to do with herself now that she is a mostly-free woman. There is a glimmer of uncertainty upon her features, there and gone in a second, of a woman who is mulling over a life's worth of choices and looking for the next step. It is a single moment but it is a vulnerable one.

And again, the facade returns. ]

But what you are offering me is...tempting, I will admit.