" The defence shall cross-examine Zara Hanson,” he beckons her forward. “Would you tell the court how long we have known each other?”
“Well…” taken aback, she ponders how best to answer, “you could say days, but then again you could say several lifetimes. It feels like I’ve known you my whole life.”
“And in this time, would you say you trust my judgement?”
Unsure where this is going, she gives a terse reply.
“I’ve no reason not to.”
“I ask that you trust my defence and do not draw any forgone conclusions.”
“Okay?” Zara nods, her brow knits together with a look of curiosity. What’s he up to?
“Zara Hanson, what is love?”
“Well, you won’t find it anywhere near these jelly-beans,” she looks at the Elb.
“Please, tell us what love is—not that which it is not.”
“What is love?” Zara raises an eyebrow and smiles, “It is something indescribable, to categorise it would do its power a disservice.”
“And yet categorise it we must.” Ansebe’s skin changes its tone, pigments diversify a hypnotic effect, influencing her emotions, “Please—what is love? "

― J.L. Haynes , Zara Hanson & The Mystery of the Painted Symbol