[the shift in tone catches her attention, blue eyes regarding the officer consideringly...before she smiles again and lets it go. Or, rather, sets it aside for further consideration. From her tone, this other person is obviously a complication...but she doesn't seem afraid, so they're probably not a threat. She's hoping, anyway. You never knew in this place.]

Is there anyplace that is?

[she shakes her head] But...you're right. The not-peaceful that happens here isn't exactly your run-of-the-mill mischief. Which you probably figured out from the wings.

[her expression goes more serious, then. She's not exactly dismayed, but she won't make light of a truly worrisome situation] We're...prisoners? I mean, we have a lot of freedom in the village. And we're cared for well enough. But we definitely aren't free.

There's a barrier that keeps anyone from exploring too far, and there's a war going on that the people here are regularly drafted into. And with a war comes all kinds of complications. [like captors who have no problem experimenting on their prisoners]

But there are a lot of us here...and nearly anyone here is willing to help. No one is dealing with this alone. [a small, serious smile. It doesn't reach her eyes] No one should have to.