"Yes," she says neutrally. "I had undergone the ritual of the Sewn Tongue to fulfill my role in the ritual. However, one of the individuals assisting me became overwhelmed and I had to violate my silence to complete the consecration."

She runs her tongue along her gums and feels the holes in her upper lip.

"The consecration itself was not nullified, but I broke my vow. As the Reverend Daughter of our Order I could pardon myself, but I have always loathed the taste of hypocrisy."