[ the cards are set lightly back on the bed, and emma just leans against the wall with a slow, relaxed sigh. she looks— better from a mere hour ago when she'd been a shaking, breathless mess, and the tension that had been wringing her so terribly is clearly gone (or at least far lessened). she doesn't look like such a pale, sweating wreck anymore, something she's grateful for, since she feels less like she's letting that weakness through again.

the smile she gives faraday is much the same as before: small, but genuine and warm, with a hint of tiredness behind it (but not the bone-deep exhaustion from before). ]

Perhaps I'll even give you a run for your money when it comes to cards, Mister Faraday.

[ there's that soft tease again, but then her expression is a little more somber, not so light when she adds, ]

...thank you. If I— haven't managed that courtesy yet: thank you.