[ The we was assumed all along. The man has been referring to his people from the start of this conversation, and while Yüshia can't tell that he's a Shard-bearer, she can tell he feels very at home in this particular environment.

She can relate to that experience, having once had a place not so unlike this that she could move about with that same comfort and confidence. ]

Connections, sure...

[ She doesn't have any real desire to ask for protection. She doesn't want to owe anyone anything, though connections are a different matter. ]

I suppose you would be able to point me in the right direction to someone who might be more welcoming to outsiders then?