[ Brandon loosens his grasp on the jar, allowing greater access with a relaxing of bis arms, a reluctant child sharing his favorite toy. He watches Qetzi'ah the entire time, even as he addresses Kaevyn. ]

You can be safe with Qetzi'ah, Kaevyn. See, you thought I would be a good friend, and as it turns out, I am not. Now you think she is a bad friend, but I am sure that too is the opposite. I'm sure she will treat you much better handle I have treated you.

[ The note of warning in his voice may not be accessible or understandable to Kaevyn, but it's meant for Qetzi. This gift doesn't just get handed over to be played with and forgotten, like Haran's. It's no trifle, and if it's rejected or mistreated, Brandon will have to make her an enemy too.

Yet he doesn't think that's likely. Still. He's not entirely heartless. ]