[ . . . Elda can't believe she's doing this. The situation she spells out really, truly isn't a relationship at all, but who is she to question it. She looks at Aligula's masked face and then snorts. ]

Normally, this is where I'd tell you to close your eyes, but truth told I'm still unclear on how you even see most of the time.

[ Okay, so instead, she's going to gently reach out to put her her hand over the mask, if allowed. ]

Yes, yes, just like I'll never see you naked too.

[ She sighs and then keeps the hand there and then speaks softly. ]

I'd like you to close your eye and picture the man. Really focus on your last several conversations with him, specifically on the words he said.

The man's facial expressions, if you can picture them. The words are the most important, of course, but body language can reveal a lot about his intent.

Yes, but there is actually one more step, and this one's the hardest. I want you to try to divorce this detective work from your own feelings for him. If you're doubting him, then you could be making it worse in your head, or you could be so into him you're missing more obvious hints. Both are possible.

I didn't say it'd be easy! It'd be hard for me too! But give it a try!

[ the hand presses a little more on the mask, and elda leans in now more, to like... climb onto Aligula? A little? ]

[ Look there's nothing weird about basically straddling her in order to make sure the face is covered.

She... ]

Then you can't do it. But you did ask for my advice.

Oh you so did not even try.

[ She says that in a teasing tone, but then backs off, leaping off the other with a short laugh. ]

But it's understandable.