[Xie Lian is rarely so lucky as to find someone with the answers he's looking for, so he blinks back at Sabriel, a bit surprised. He feels for her, the trauma she obviously experienced in finding out what she knows, so he gives her the quiet attention she's due, his face showing telltale signs of worry.

Whatever killed the previous inhabitants is still here, one can't speak its name without calling its attention, and purple is a signal of its presence.]

Are the marked ones its allies? Or intended victims?

[He wants to reach out, give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, but they've only just met and she seems rattled as it is. Instead, he inclines his head slightly in gratitude.]

I appreciate your help, Lady Sabriel. I'm sorry you have been through such an ordeal. Is there anything I can do to assist?