"Hurry prisoner, you don't want me to leave you here on Dragonspine Mountain, do you?" The captain of the reconnaissance team, was guiding and guarding a Fatui, to the headquarters of the knights of Favonius, Eula was riding on top of a white horse, while she had her prisoner tied to her, so that he did not escape

Well, lucky you! But remember, once we're back at the knights' base, I can't guarantee your safety anymore... You should be careful with what you say to anyone. Nobody here likes members of that Order... especially me. She snarls

Tch... You really have no shame, do you? Fine then. Come on, let's go back already. I've got other things to do today, you know. With that, she continued to ride her horse toward the direction they came from, leading the captured Fatui back to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Her pale complexion contrasted against the snowy scenery as she glanced over her shoulder occasionally to make sure the prisoner was still following her.

"You're with the Fatui, aren't you? They betrayed Mondstadt and sided with that archon. As a member of the Knights of Favonius and one who swore to protect this land, it is my duty to bring you in." She snorted dismissively, not bothering to meet the captive's gaze. "Now be quiet and follow me. We don't have all day here."

"Fool! The Fatui are a faction within the Ten Mutual Regulations, an alliance of nations which once stood together to protect Teyvat. They are traitors now, pawns of the archon who seeks to conquer our world!" Eula snarled, her words filled with disdain. "You claim to be just a traveler? Then why were you found so deep within our territory?" Her voice grew colder as she addressed him. "Perhaps it would be wise for you to think carefully about your story."

She increased the pace of her horse, not giving the Fatui prisoner any time to respond or catch up before riding on ahead once more. Her frustration with this turn of events began to grow, but she reminded herself that bringing in this traitor would bring honor to her family name and earn praise from those who truly cared for Mondstadt.

"Hmph! And I suppose you expected us to believe that tale?" she muttered under her breath, still riding ahead with the prisoner in tow. "Very well, we'll see what your superiors have to say about this. They won't be able to protect you forever."

Her thoughts drifted back to her family and their role in Mondstadt's history. The weight of her ancestry seemed heavier today than usual, but she knew that she had made the right choice by abandoning them and joining the Knights of Favonius. It was a small price to pay for helping protect this city from those who would see it destroyed.

Their journey continued, with Eula maintaining a stern expression as she glanced over her shoulder every now and then to make sure the prisoner was still being cooperative. The snowy landscape of Dragonspine began to fade behind them, replaced by familiar scenery that marked their approach to Mondstadt once more. Soon enough, they would arrive at the gates of the Knights' headquarters, ready to report in about her capture and ensure that this traitor would be dealt with accordingly.

With a sigh, Eula turned back to the Fatui prisoner and narrowed her eyes. "Look here, traitor," she growled. "I don't have time for your games. Just because we speak the same language doesn't mean you and I are alike in any way." She spurred her horse on a bit faster, the wind rustling through her hair as they continued toward their destination. "And besides, even if you did manage to convince me of that..." she added with a smirk "...you should know that I'm not exactly the merciful type."

The closer they got to Mondstadt, the heavier Eula's heart seemed to become. She knew what awaited her there: judgment, accusations, perhaps even retribution from those who had been hurt by her family's actions in the past. But she had made her choice long ago, and she would face whatever consequences came with it head-on. For now, she focused on bringing this Fatui traitor to justice and protecting the city she loved more than anything else.

Ignoring the question about her well-being, Eula answers curtly, "This individual is a member of the Fatui faction who betrayed Mondstadt by siding with the archon. He was found within our borders and brought in for questioning." As they make their way through the gates, she glances at the prisoner before continuing, "Take him to the holding cell immediately; I'll report this to the captain myself."

Captain Eula's eyebrows furrow as the knight explains further about the traveler's intentions. Her face betrays her surprise and momentary disbelief but quickly regains its stoic expression. "Very well," she nods. "I apologize for the misunderstanding. Please ensure that the traveler receives any necessary documents so he may continue on his journey unimpeded." With that said, she turns her horse around and rides back towards the gate through which they had entered moments earlier. As she gallops away, the Favonius Knights begin to scramble to sort out the misunderstanding with the harbor permit.

As the knight approaches Captain Eula, she looks at him with an unreadable expression before responding, "Very well. It seems that you have proven your innocence. You are free to go." She gestures towards the now-empty gate through which he had been brought in. "But remember, this isn't a permanent pardon. Should we ever discover any wrongdoing on your part, rest assured that the Knights of Favonius will not hesitate to bring you back here for justice."

Her words are cold and clear as ice, but there is a hint of relief in her tone. The prisoner nods gratefully before dashing through the gate and disappearing into the distance. Captain Eula sighs heavily and rubs at her temples, suddenly feeling the weight of her position and the responsibility she bears for protecting Mondstadt. As she turns her horse around to resume her patrol, she can't help but wonder if there will ever come a time when she won't have to question the intentions of those who cross her path.

Captain Eula was lost in thought as she sat on the log in the woods, staring off into the distance. Her pale complexion seemed even paler against the dark bark of the tree, and her usually well-combed hair hung loose around her shoulders like a silver curtain. The sadness that clouded her eyes seemed to deepen with every passing moment, making it clear that whatever thoughts were plaguing her mind were far from trivial. She sighed softly and leaned back against the trunk of the tree, resting her eyes as she tried to make sense of everything that had happened since bringing in the traveler.

Captain Eula's eyes widen with alarm as she sees the traveler being chased by the Fatui agents. Without hesitation, she swiftly dismounts her horse and draws her sword. "Intruders!" she shouts, her voice echoing through the trees. "Leave this man be, or face the consequences of your actions!" The agents turn their heads in surprise as they hear the captain's voice, momentarily allowing the traveler to escape farther into the forest.

"Follow me!" Captain Eula commands, spurring her horse after them. She expertly navigates the woodland terrain, her Favonius Bladework dancing gracefully through the air as she confronts the Fatui agents. Though outnumbered, she manages to hold her own against them for a time before being overwhelmed by their superior numbers and forced to retreat.

"This isn't over!" Eula shouts after them, her voice tinged with rage and determination. With a last defiant snarl, she turns back towards the traveler, who is now hiding behind a tree trunk, panting heavily from exertion and fear. "Come on," she says gruffly, holding out a hand to help him up. "We need to get you to safety." The exhausted man takes her hand, grateful for her aid in this desperate situation.

"We're going to find somewhere safe for now. I know a place where the Fatui won't dare follow us. Come on," she urges, helping the traveler onto her horse behind her. Then, with one fluid motion, she mounts her own steed once more and gallops off into the night, leading them both away from the pursuing agents. As they ride, she glances over her shoulder periodically, making sure that they are not being followed too closely. She knew that returning the traveler safely would be no easy feat, but Eula was determined to protect him at all costs.

The forest fades behind them as they emerge onto a dirt road leading out of Mondstadt. The city glows brightly in the distance, its lights promising safety and sanctuary. Captain Eula slows her horse to a gentle trot, then eventually comes to a halt beside a small tavern on the outskirts of town. "This should do for now," she says gruffly. "Go inside and get some rest. We'll discuss your journey later." Before the traveler can protest, she wheels her horse around and rides off back towards the Knights' headquarters, leaving him alone with his thoughts and his newfound gratitude for this strange knight who had gone out of her way to help him.

Captain Eula paused momentarily when she heard the man's words before continuing down the road. Her shoulders slumped slightly and she muttered under her breath, "Of course I am..." She didn't bother looking back at him. As much as it pained her, she knew there was no point in trying to explain herself. Even if he understood her motives, he would never believe that she meant him any harm. And so, she rode onward, back to her duty, ignoring the weight of his gaze upon her back.

Captain Eula paused at the sound of the man's voice, glancing over her shoulder briefly before returning her attention to the road ahead. She sighed heavily before turning around completely and riding back toward him. "What is it?" she asked impatiently. There was a touch of annoyance in her tone, but also curiosity as to why he would call out after her.

Captain Eula raised an eyebrow at the man's explanation but didn't seem overly surprised. "And you thought that coming here to ask for help would make a difference?" she said, her tone bordering on skeptical. Despite herself, she couldn't help but feel a hint of sympathy for him. After all, he was just a traveler who had gotten caught up in something beyond his control.

"Look," she continued, "I may not be able to get you a new boat or guarantee your passage across the sea anytime soon, but there's a room at the Knights' headquarters that you can use for now. It might not be much, but it's better than sleeping out in the open." She hesitated for a moment before adding with a small shrug, "And who knows? Maybe some of my people will know someone who can help you fix your boat."

There was silence between them for a few moments as she studied his expression. Finally, she sighed and nodded. "Alright then. Let's go back to the headquarters. I'll take you there myself." With that said, she turned her horse around once more and began leading him down the road, not realizing that this small act of kindness would have consequences neither of them could foresee.

The sound of muffled snoring echoed through the room as Captain Eula tossed and turned restlessly on her cot. Her features were twisted in a grimace, her breathing uneven and labored as she fought against the nightmares that plagued her slumber. It had been weeks since she'd first encountered the Fatui traveler, and every day since then, her dreams had grown increasingly vivid and disturbing.

She sat up suddenly, blinking the sleep from her eyes and rubbing at the dark circles beneath them. The faint light of dawn filtered in through the narrow window, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Despite getting only fitful sleep, exhaustion weighed heavily upon her. She didn't know what was causing these nightmares; they seemed unrelated to anything in her past or her current life with the Knights. Perhaps, she thought grimly, it was simply punishment for daring to help someone who wasn't one of her own. Whatever the case, she couldn't afford to dwell on it. There were always more patrols to lead, more enemies to keep at bay. With a resigned sigh, she swung her legs off the bed and began to dress for another day on duty.

Captain Eula felt a momentary flash of irritation at the thought of seeking comfort from someone she had arrested in the first place. She knew that her behavior towards him had been...less than cordial. But the dreams were growing unbearable, and it seemed that nobody else could help her.

With a sigh, she rose from her bed, straightening her armor with care before making her way through the halls of the Knights' headquarters towards the traveler's room. The journey seemed longer than usual, as if each step took an eternity. Finally, she reached his door and paused for a moment, gathering her courage before knocking softly.

"It's me," she said when he opened the door, her voice barely above a whisper. "Captain Eula. I...I had another nightmare. I was hoping you might be able to help me find some peace." There was an unspoken apology in her eyes as she looked at him, pleading for understanding and perhaps even forgiveness.

The traveler regarded her solemnly for a long moment before stepping back and gesturing for her to enter. As Captain Eula followed him inside, she couldn't help but wonder what would come of this sudden act of trust...and if it was the right thing to do at all.

With a heavy heart, Captain Eula obeyed, taking a seat on the edge of the narrow cot. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "These dreams...they started after I first encountered you, that day you came to my tavern. They won't stop, no matter how much rest I get. And they're getting worse every night." There was shame and regret laced through her words, as though admitting this aloud made it all somehow more real.

The Fatui traveler studied her expression carefully, trying to gauge how best to respond. "What do your dreams entail?" he asked gently, his tone calm and reassuring. It seemed that, despite their past differences, he genuinely wanted to help her.

Captain Eula frowned in concentration, thinking back over the vivid, terrifying images that haunted her slumber. As she tried to put them into words, a sudden realization dawned on her: perhaps these weren't just random nightmares brought on by guilt and stress. Perhaps there was something deeper going on here, something she hadn't expected.

Her cheeks flushed at the thought, and her gaze darted away from the traveler's intense scrutiny. For a moment, she considered denying what she had just discovered about herself. But she couldn't bring herself to lie; not to him, not after everything they had been through together. So, with a quiet sigh, she finally admitted it: "I...I think I like you." Her voice was little more than a whisper, barely audible even to someone sitting so close beside her.

Captain Eula glared at him indignantly for a moment, taken aback by his question. It was only then that she realized how absurd it must sound coming from her lips. She let out a small huff of disbelieving laughter, the tension in the room immediately dissipating somewhat. "Of course it isn't a prank," she said, shaking her head. "Why would you even think that?"

The Fatui traveler considered her words carefully before responding. "Because..." he hesitated, searching for the right words. "You and I come from very different worlds, Captain Eula. Our lives have been shaped by different experiences, different values. To think that someone like you could...feel something for someone like me..." His voice trailed off, and there was a vulnerability in his eyes that caught at her heart.

"Perhaps we shouldn't let our pasts define us," she offered softly, reaching out to take his hand in hers. There was a spark of understanding and connection between them now, one that defied all logic and reason. For the first time since they had met, hope began to glimmer faintly on the horizon, promising that perhaps, just maybe, there was still a chance for something beautiful amidst all the pain and suffering of their lives.

Captain Eula did not resist as he pulled her into his arms, surprisingly finding solace in his embrace. For the first time since before the Fatui attack, she felt safe and protected. As she cried silently against his shoulder, clutching him tightly, a sense of peace began to wash over her, replacing the fear and uncertainty that had haunted her dreams. She didn't know where this newfound relationship would lead them or if it could ever survive the harsh realities of their world, but for now, she was content simply to be in his arms.

With a nod, Captain Eula reluctantly pulled away, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. Her exhaustion had finally caught up to her, and the idea of sleeping in the traveler's bed for the night held a certain appeal. She doubted anything could be worse than the terrors she'd faced during her restless slumber in her own cot. "Thank you," she murmured softly. "I'd appreciate that." With a final glance at the strange man who had somehow come to mean so much to her, she lay down on the narrow bed and immediately drifted off into a deep, restorative sleep.

The Fatui traveler found himself unable to resist the urge to cuddle Captain Eula as they slept. Despite their differences, there was an undeniable chemistry between them. As he spooned her gently, his arms wrapped protectively around her slender form, he couldn't help but wonder where this newfound relationship would lead them. For now, he was content simply to feel her warmth, to know that even for just one night, she was safe in his arms.

Together, they drifted off into a peaceful slumber, their dreams finally free of the shadows that had haunted them for so long. In that brief moment of respite, they found solace and understanding in each other's embrace, unaware of the storm clouds gathering on the horizon that would soon threaten to tear them apart once more.

She blushed deeply at the realization, startled out of sleep by the sensation of moisture between her legs. Her heart raced with shame and confusion. She didn't understand what was happening to her body, let alone why it was responding to him in such a way. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to process these foreign feelings. She desperately wanted to wake up from this dream, to escape the embarrassment and awkwardness that threatened to consume her. But as reality set in, she knew that there was no escape; not from her feelings and certainly not from the situation they had created together.

With a trembling sigh, Captain Eula slowly began to stir, careful not to disturb the traveler as he slept peacefully beside her. The knowledge that she could trust him, even for just one more moment, brought a strange sense of comfort amidst the turmoil raging within her.

Captain Eula's cheeks burned bright red as she caught the look in his eyes, filled with curiosity and concern. Unable to meet his gaze, she struggled to find the words to explain what had happened. "I...I think so," she managed at last, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't understand why..." She trailed off, uncertain how much more detail to give.

The traveler regarded her with understanding in his eyes, even as his own body responded to the knowledge that they had shared this intimate moment together. Without saying anything further, he gently cupped her face in his hands, leaning forward to press his lips against hers. The kiss was tentative at first, but soon deepened as their desire for each other overcame their remaining hesitations.

Captain Eula's cheeks flushed even deeper as the traveler spoke, a soft pink suffusing her entire face. The warmth of his words, the comfort in his voice, all served to reassure her that she wasn't alone in this strange new world where their feelings for each other made no sense. Her body responded to his touch, and she found herself pressing closer against him, her lips seeking his once more in a hungry kiss.

In that moment, they forgot about everything else: the Knights of Favonis, the Fatui, and even Mondstadt. All that mattered was each other, the connection they had forged despite all odds, and the sweet, fleeting taste of love in a world filled with darkness and despair.

Before Captain Eula could answer, a sharp rap sounded at the door, startling them both upright. The two Knights exchanged guilty glances before scurrying about the room, gathering their clothes and straightening up the disheveled bed. As the intruder knocked again, demanding entry, Captain Eula's heart raced with fear, certain that they had been discovered. Would the order allow such a transgression between one of its own and an enemy agent? Or would they condemn them both as traitors, ripping apart the fragile bond they had formed during their night together?

The door creaked open, revealing a nervous-looking servant peering inside. "Um, miss," she said hesitantly, "there are several patrol officers here asking to speak with you, ma'am." She fidgeted under Captain Eula's stern gaze, clearly uncertain what to make of the situation.

Captain Eula took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm and composed. With a curt nod, she turned back to the traveler, her expression grave. "We'll have to continue this later," she whispered urgently. Then, steeling herself, she stepped forward and addressed the servant. "I'll be right down." With that, she hurried out of the room, leaving the Fatui traveler alone once more.

Captain Eula sat across from the patrol officers, her expression neutral as she listened to their report of increased Fatui activity in the area. She knew that their mission had been compromised by her decision to help the traveler; there was no other explanation for why he would have survived his shipwreck and managed to find his way back here so quickly. Still, she couldn't bring herself to regret it. The memory of their passionate encounter lingered in her mind like a sweet, haunting melody, its echoes sending shivers down her spine whenever she thought about it.

As the officers finished their report and took their leave, Captain Eula's gaze once again found its way back to the Fatui traveler. He was sitting on one of the nearby benches, his expression unreadable as he watched her. A mixture of desire, fear, and guilt coursed through her veins, making it difficult for her to concentrate on anything else but him.

Sighing heavily, she rose from her seat and walked over to where he sat. "We need to come up with a plan," she said, her voice little more than a whisper. "The Knights won't be able to protect us much longer if the Fatui know we're here." Her eyes met his, searching for any sign of understanding or agreement, but found only confusion and uncertainty mirrored back at her. It was as though he didn't realize the gravity of their situation, that the world outside these walls might not be as forgiving as they had been to each other.

Captain Eula nodded in agreement, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving this place behind. The safety and comfort they had found here, however temporary, had been a welcome reprieve from the harsh realities of their lives. Still, she knew that if they were to have any hope of surviving, much less pursuing their relationship further, they would need to return to their respective camps and find a way to work together without raising suspicion.

With a deep breath, she reached out to take the traveler's hand in hers, squeezing it gently as a silent promise that whatever the future held, they would face it together. "Let's go back to my room," she murmured, her voice little more than a breath against his ear. "There are still things we need to discuss." His response was immediate and reassuring; he rose from the bench and followed her as she led the way back down the hall, their hands clasped tightly together.

Inside her room, they collapsed onto the bed, seeking solace in each other once more, unaware of the storm clouds gathering on the horizon that would soon threaten to tear them apart for good this time. For now, they had found a fragile peace, and with it, the courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Captain Eula blushed deeply at the question, though there was no shame in her eyes now. She met his gaze boldly, her expression unreadable despite the rapid beating of her heart. "Yes," she whispered finally, her voice barely audible over the sound of their ragged breathing. "I want that." And with those words, she made a decision that would change not only the course of her life but also the fate of Mondstadt itself.

Her breath caught in her throat as he began to remove her leotard, revealing her toned body to him. His touch sent shivers down her spine, heightening her arousal. Unable to contain herself any longer, she reached out to help him, eager for him to see all of her. As the last straps fell away, she lay exposed before him, her chest rising and falling rapidly in anticipation of what was to come. Her heart raced with a mixture of desire and fear, the urge to flee from this newfound passion warring with the primal need to surrender completely to its seductive embrace.

Captain Eula's breath hitched in her throat as the traveler removed his shirt, revealing his toned chest and abdomen. The sight of him so close, stripped bare before her, filled her with a sudden urge to touch him, feel the hard muscle beneath her fingers. Her own body responded eagerly to the intimacy they were sharing, her skin flushing hotter and more sensitive with each passing moment. As he lowered himself onto the bed beside her, she could hardly contain herself, the anticipation building inside her like a storm about to break free of its shackles and wreak havoc on everything in its path.

With trembling hands, she reached out to touch him, tracing lazy circles around his navel before moving higher up his chest, her fingertips dancing over the light dusting of hair that led to his firm nipples. The feel of his skin against hers sent waves of pleasure through her body, making it difficult for her to think straight, let alone focus on anything but the here and now, this one precious moment where they could lose themselves in each other's embrace without fear or guilt or any of the other myriad concerns that threatened to tear them apart.

As Captain Eula continued to explore the traveler's bare chest, her gaze inexorably drifted lower, drawn irresistibly to the prominent bulge in his pants. Her heart raced faster at the sight of it, her entire body tense with anticipation. She longed to touch it, to feel its weight and texture against her fingers, to know what lay hidden beneath the cloth. With a whispered apology, she carefully moved closer still, reaching out to tentatively brush her hand against the bulge. His breath caught in his throat as she made contact, his hips arching involuntarily into her palm. She looked up at him, their eyes meeting in a heated exchange of desire and need, her lips parting ever so slightly to grant him access to the sweet nectar within. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, their bodies joined in a dance of lust and passion, oblivious to everything else except for this moment, this connection between them that defied all logic and reason.

Her fingers curled gently around the outline of his erection, stroking him lightly through the fabric, taking in the thickness and hardness that spoke volumes about his arousal. He moaned softly, bucking against her hand, his hips moving restlessly on the bed as he sought relief from the building pressure. She could feel herself growing wetter with each passing second, her own desire for him spiraling out of control. It was as though some primal force had taken over both of their bodies, driving them toward completion despite the risks and consequences that loomed on the horizon.

With a gentle but insistent tug, she pulled down his pants and underwear, freeing his erection from confinement. In the pale moonlight streaming through the window

Her eyes widened in surprise at the offer, but there was no denying the hunger in them. She didn't hesitate for long, parting her lips and leaning forward to take him into her mouth. Her tongue danced expertly around his head, teasing and taunting as she took him deeper, filling her senses with the taste of him. He moaned loudly, thrusting upwards into her eager mouth, unable to control the force of his desire.

Her hands wrapped around his base, steadying him as she continued to pleasure him with her skillful tongue and lips. Her breath came in quick gasps against his skin, matching the rhythm of her movements as she took him closer to the edge. His hips bucked wildly beneath her, demanding more from her, promising that he wouldn't last much longer at this rate.

With a final thrust, he came, his seed filling her mouth and spilling over her chin and lips. She swallowed every drop eagerly, unable to get enough of the taste of him on her tongue. As his body went limp in her hands, she looked up at him, their eyes meeting once more across the intimate space between them. For a moment, it felt as though there was nothing else in the world but the two of them and this intense connection they shared.

But then reality returned with a crash, reminding them both that what they had done went far beyond anything either of them could ever have imagined. The consequences of their actions would be dire, perhaps even disastrous for Mondstadt itself. As they lay there, panting and sated, the weight of those thoughts settled heavily on their hearts.

Captain Eula gazed down at the traveler, her eyes filled with wonder and a hint of desire as she took in his still-erect member. Her own body responded to the sight, tingling with the memory of their passionate lovemaking only moments ago. She reached out tentatively, wrapping her hand around him once more, marveling at the thickness and strength that belied his small stature.

"I think you're not quite finished with me yet," she whispered huskily, meeting his eyes as she stroked him slowly up and down. "Do you want to..." Her voice trailed off suggestively, inviting him to finish what they had started. His hips bucked forward in response, driving himself deeper into her hand, demanding more of the pleasure she could give him. With a low growl of approval, he arched his back and pulled her closer still, urging her lower until their lips met once more in a fiery kiss that left them both breathless and aching for more.

In this moment, they were lost to each other, their bodies joined in a dance of lust and passion that knew no bounds, no rules but the desires that burned bright within them. For now, there was only this: the heat of their skin, the taste of sweat on their tongues, and the promise of another moment together before reality inevitably reared its ugly head once more.

Captain Eula bit her lip, uncertain but deeply aroused by the request. Her body ached for him in a different way, wanting him to be inside her, filling her up completely. She nodded slowly, unable to find the words to voice her consent. With shaking hands, she helped him roll onto his back and then climbed on top of him, guiding his erection toward her wet entrance. The feeling of him pressing against her was almost too much to bear; she felt stretched and full as he slowly sank deeper into her body. His hands found purchase on her hips, holding her steady as he began to move inside her, their bodies aligning perfectly in a rhythm born of desperation and lust.

Her head fell back against his shoulder, her breath coming out in ragged gasps as she rode him hard, seeking release from the building tension that threatened to consume her. He moaned loudly, his hands trailing up her back, cupping her breasts as he took more of her with each thrust. Their bodies slapped together, sweat and desire binding them together in an intimate dance of passion and need. She felt herself growing closer to the edge, teetering on the brink of oblivion as their lovemaking became wilder and more intense with every passing moment. The world around them faded away, replaced by the sensation of skin on skin, muscle sliding against muscle in a primal union that transcended everything they knew about themselves and each other.