[ It's almost like whiplash, the way that the newcomer shifts from cowering like a jackrabbit to gaining that attitude. It does at least mean she isn't so freaked out as to bite down on those sorts of thoughts.

Before Steve can say anything either way, she does make an amendment to her statement, which he responds to with a nod. With how she describes magic, she doesn't seem to be all that familiar with it. Which means there's a lot to learn. ]

It might sound tired, but it really isn't as simple as just going back the way we came.

[ Steve still believes that there's a way to do it, but actually puzzling out the how is still a work in progress. For a much longer span of time that he's been here, besides.

They reach a set of doors, which Steve pushes open to lead them outdoors for some fresh air. The training yard isn't far from them and there's even more activity there than he remembers from his own arrival, with plenty of uniformed soldiers running through drills. Yet another sign that the Free Cities is preparing for things to come to a head.

He pauses then, turning back to the teenager as he draws in a breath. Of the Avengers, he wouldn't say he's the one who does best with kids, but he's going to hold onto his patience as best he can. ]

I'm Steve, by the way. Have you heard anything about the Singularity since you got here?