[ It would seem entirely possible that the two of them could exchange jokes and because of their natures, be internally amused, but never actually laugh out loud. As it is, Merrin thinks nothing of the way he chooses to react - the exhale of a breath that clearly indicates he might have enjoyed the momentary teasing, yet would hold back from allowing too much amusement to peek out. She understands this.

She continues watching him over her shoulder, noting the way his expression shifts. The idea of others here being from entirely different galaxies hasn't entirely sunk in, if only because she's barely spoken to anyone else. ]

Fest. I know of this. [ That wouldn't have been true when she'd first left Dathomir, of course. She knew nothing of the galaxy beyond Dathomir at all. ] Like you, I have not been.

[ The question now hanging between them (at least in her mind) is the the extent of the Empire's reach on Fest, and his loyalties. In their short interactions, she does not believe him to be an Imperial, but trust is fragile where they come from. One cannot afford to assume. She is, however, not afraid to make her own loyalties known here. ]

I lived alone on Dathomir. [ Mostly. She did not associate with the Nightbrothers often, and Malicos was a blight she prefers to forget.] It was only when I left that I came to know more of the Empire, and those who resist it.