[ She breathes an obvious sigh of relief at that, her posture relaxing and her expression taking on a slightly different color. Whether or not she accepts the offer and decides to address Doctor Watson as John has yet to be seen, but the gesture in and of itself is a welcome one. It speaks to a kind of closeness, something that is not quite friendship but perhaps has the possibility to become it one day. Though some might question what a middle-aged modern man might have in common with an adolescent medieval princess, Alayne knows from experience that circumstances can sometimes forge stranger alliances than that.

The prospect makes her feel slightly giddy, albeit in a still cautious way. ] You've inspired me to look at my own talents and think upon what I might offer the ship — other than sewing, of course. Though I'm not studied in anything save needlepoint, I hoped— [ Alayne inhales, as if bracing herself for his approval. ] —I hoped I might volunteer at the clinic.

I've been told my bedside manner is quite good.