"It's normal to be nervous, or apprehensive," Cora offered, drawing the flap closed and circling the small table until she reached the ornate Victorian chair from which she did all of her spirit work. "Hell, I won't blame you if you're skeptical. I know it's harder to believe in something you can't properly see, sometimes." It wasn't a reaction that would offend or upset her, not anymore. Being surrounded by beings who could tangibly prove their supernatural standings had made her feel like an imposter, in the early days of working for the cirque, but as time wore on it felt easier to establish her place among them. And with the rise of televised "mediums" and ghost hunters, a certain amount of skepticism regarding her gifts was to be expected.
Once she had settled into her chair and waited for Ana to seat herself, Cora took a moment to breathe. This wasn't her first time channeling since everything that had happened in Louisiana, but even with a new talisman there was a touch of uncertainty in her. "Okay, ground rules. I will try my best to summon and channel your mother's spirit, but I can't guarantee she'll come. If she does, please don't touch me while I'm in the trance or it'll throw everything off-balance. No throwing, breaking, or otherwise damaging anything in here if you... react strongly to whatever happens, as some people have," she said diplomatically, grinning a little. "Now, I want you to tell me her name, and then focus all your thoughts on her."