Kit's instinct is well-founded. When he mentions Padparadscha a host of emotions cross Rutile's face: their anger is replaced by shock, which in turn fades into something desperate. They no longer seem to be paying strict attention to Kit, lost in their own thoughts.

Rutile's rational half warns that there's no way of knowing this is their Padparadscha, and that in fact it makes little sense for the only person in the universe they'd rather see to be here also. But there's plenty here that isn't making sense, and at some point they'll have to give up the expectation that it will. Now seems as good a time as any.

Rutile grasps Kit's wrist with their free hand. Their words, while still quick and demanding, now have an air of pleading. "How do you know Padparadscha?" they ask. The sentries, the street, Aifaran - everything else is forgotten. "Do you know where they are?" If it's at the fucking Dreaming Bridge...