[ She hadn't been speaking of the spirits of others, but repurcussions in the next life. Vanessa wonders if that is a fear of his...if he's even human. Considering this, she'll need to tread carefully, but even if he is a demon, it's all too clear to her that he isn't cut out for deception like other demons.

Her smile is sympathetic. ]

The best lies have traces of truth in them, I find. Pull from a place of sincerity, and you may be surprised what you are capable of. Penance may come when we find more forgiving ground to kneel and pray. Until then, we must hold one another steady.

[ ooc; Sorry for the late, RL got in the way! If you want to handwave the rest, lmk. ]