"The one-tap wonder doesn't fall for traps." Gio uttered as he took hold of the wall.

As Giovanni vaulted over the balcony railing, the white crow gave him a wide-eyed look and warbled in a low voice. Moira hopped around down below, then darted off into the trees.
The door creaked open and out poked an equally wide-eyed gaze, though this one belonged to a girl. "Oh," Roo exhaled, stepping aside to let him in. "You made it. How did you climb up that wall? I wasn't sure you'd be able to, when I sent the message, but I was hoping... well, I figured if you could bypass the gates, then you should be able to make it up one wall. Though, maybe that's not a good thing..."

"It's not important," he shook his head. "We're both risking our safety with this conversation, so let's make it quick."

She was garbed in much more Lumanliscy clothing than in previous weeks, all floaty luminescent gowns and glittering jewelry, offset by a hard white cast around one arm. She also seemed quite tense. "Right, sorry. Listen, things aren't very good here. I mean, I'm sure you felt they never were for you, being a prisoner and all... but they're really not good now. I'm out of commission. Plus, they've locked me up in this room -- not to be obtuse. "They" would be our father. He's not... well, it doesn't matter," she waved herself off with her good hand. "The point being, things are very bad and I need your help to fix it. Please."

"My help? What could I possibly offer you?" He lifted an eyebrow.

"You can get over the gate." she repeated. "You've done it before."
Roo wasn't being entirely honest with him, which she knew well and felt deeply guilty about, but he wouldn't help her if he knew where she was headed. He wouldn't believe her. No one outside of Altair would.

"And?" He pressed.

"I need to get over the gate." Roo explained earnestly.

"Hm." He acknowledged her request. "And did you have a trade-off in mind, or am I meant to do this out of the goodness of my heart?"

She pursed her lips contemplatively. In truth, she'd already decided on a best course of action, but haggling was always necessary in these circumstances, was it not? But then again, she didn't have time to convince him. She'd just have to trust that he wanted freedom as much as, or even more than she did. But maybe he could set the terms, so she could work around him. Yes, that sounded smart. "What do you want?"