Katarin had been told that she'd get used to not being able to use her magic, but she had known that instantly for the lie it was. Practically, she managed, but every day she had to look at that dull band of iron encircling her wrist and be reminded of what the Delvonians had done to her people. She'd wanted to refuse, but Luchara had told her that doing so was tantamount to wearing a flashing sign declaring herself to be part of the resistance. A risk. A liability. Katarin would have done anything for Luchara, and not just because Luchara had command of Privkat village. So Katarin had queued along with everyone else in the village when the occupation troops flew in, and she hadn't spoken a word, hadn't done anything to draw attention to herself when they fixed that thing on her. Her rebellious thoughts had remained inside, tightly coiled.
Now Katarin had found a new world, and while much of it was strange, there were no Delvonians. There was no hated of magic, of the religious practice of kiryet, or of the traditions of her people. She had been almost overwhelmed by the kindness that strangers had shown to her, even though the niggling worry remained that something awful must have happened in Kordala, to her or to the others. It was beyond her power to mend, however, and so she tried not to dwell too much upon it.
Yet there were certain things she could do here, and being rid of that hated reminder of the enemy was one of them. A man was going to help her, Hemingway. Katarin made her way somewhat haltingly to the ship called the Normandy; the station was vast, and it was easy to lose her way. When she arrived, she saw a man there waiting. That must be him! Katarin approached, and when she caught his eye she gave a quick salute, right hand tapping left shoulder. This had the added effect that the sleeve of her dress fell as she raised her arm, revealing the iron band beneath.
'Nin-' she began to say, before remembering and switching language. 'I am Katarin. You are Hemingway?' If he had a title, she didn't know it. 'I am very pleased to see you.'