[ the leopard has about as much concern for anders in return as any other cat, but asriel looks momentarily pleased at having elicited that response. proud. it easily borders on narcissistic given what she is to him, but no one's ever accused him of being humble. ]

Fair enough. Those sound like the sort of tactics they might employ over on the other side though.

[ if he had it his way, asriel would pledge himself to nothing and no one. he trusts neither faction and is no more inclined to keep his opinions to himself here as he ever was. ]

I'd expect them to prefer more persuasive measures here.