"It was a long time ago," Marian said, the faintest sharp edge to her tongue sliding out fast, as she instinctively pulled her hands, and the little frog -- Caspian --, closer to her at the not entirely expected, or unexpected, ice to Kate's surprise. Not entirely at obvious odds from her own both protectiveness and defensiveness.

And, perhaps, even a shaft of guilt. It was not her story to tell, and it was not a normal one even for here. A whole other 'whole life' from beginning to end. Rather like his war, and his loss, even this was something she held delicate, precious, and was humbled to hold. Whatever he chose to share with her, that she kept carefully for him.

She didn't share his truths lightly. Only the hairbreadth from the edge of never. Except for Amy. Alanna. Mal. He would have to understand. He was a frog.

"I can assume it didn't work when you tried, then?" As he was still a very little be-crowned frog in her hands, trembling and still in the cage of her fingers.

How Milliways of it not be that simple. "What else can we can try? Should we find one the Gods or Tricksters?"