"Bad and worse, but I want to stress that even first-generation children like myself have the gift of mortality. I am mine to define, for better or worse." She's almost saying that to herself, and it's a comfort for her; her smile when she passes Valdis her tea is rather more comfortable. "Which isn't to say there's no effects. If you find me eating coals or smoking in inappropriate places, well, suffice it to say that I've little choice in the matter. If you were a tiefling, your majestic war-form would be evidence enough of the it - does that derive from your heritage?"

She needs to know, to connect, but she's also afraid of overstepping. But neither of Deirdre's mothers raised a coward.