"Mom?" Airlia reached her hand out, laying it gently on Faith's shoulder.
Faith turned around, almost in a state of shock as she recognised the voice. "It can't be you."
Airlia simply nodded. "It's me."
"But - "
"Same kind of deal as Buffy," Airlia explained. "Though I don't really have contact with my charge."
"How...?" Faith trailed off, unable to take her eyes off the girl in front of her.
Airlia shrugged. "I don't know how. Or why. I do know that I am breaking so many rules right now, but I had to come see you."
Faith was silent, still watching her.
"I tried, Mom," Airlia went on. "I asked to swap, to be your guide, or Tru's, but I wasn't allowed. They've forbidden contact between us."
"What will happen if they find out?" Faith asked.
"Honestly? I don't know," Airlia replied. "But I couldn't not see you, at least once."