[ She lets out a laugh that sounds a little like a scoff, but it is more amused than anything else, and she hopes he realizes that. ] Disappoint me? I'm not disappointed. I would not have gotten this far without an appreciation for those dusty tomes.

What about those who are long since gone? Reading of them is how they stay alive. [ She can't help but wonder how she and Alkaid will be remembered, or if they will eventually fade into obscurity as time passes. That does seem to be the natural progression of time, of course.

And then a fond smile comes to her face in response to his last somewhat teasing question. ]

That is what our mothers used to say to both of us. I almost forgot about that until you said it.