"I think it can also be that it's the instinct of the protection. Inside we know we are volunerable in certain areas. We have and know things that are a certain way, and we want to keep it that way. So we tend to fear that whatever we don't know may change the way we are." Perhaps she was straying to far into a personal area - it did brush on certain aspects of her own life.

Mal. She knew she cared deeply for him - more than she let him believe she did. But it was better that way, better to keep him at arm's length, let him think she didn't care for him. It would only complicate things, and the fact that he didn't respect her profession, well that just caused more problems.

She shook her head, quickly focusing on Nova again and what she was saying. The city. "What do you mean make it an unpleasant visit?" Her brows creased in worry. "I thought the crew got along...." Perhaps not, it wouldn't be all that surprising seeing as how many different cultures and different types of beings were onboard.

"I didn't mean pure and innocent. I merely met good people." Her head tilted a little to the side as she studied Nova, wondering exactly all that Nova's story was. "Perhaps we do need to be strong, but I also think that we need to be compassionate." She shrugged her shoulders a little, but it was true. Compassion went a long way and really, couldn't one be both strong and compassionate at the same time?

Inara let out a small breath of relief and shot Nova a bright smile. "Well good, perhaps more should do so. It would lead to fewer misunderstandings."