"I suppose in that case you're an ally against the dirt, or at the very least a neutral party. Like Switzerland."

Her question sounds more heartfelt than just a perfunctory conversational nicety to fill up the silence. Ned is glad; Riley is kind, well-meaning, and interesting. He could always use more people like that in his life. Perhaps she remembers what he said in her dream, about not really being as unapproachable as he might seem.

"Yeah. I mean it's all been a bit Alice in Wonderland these last few days. Anyone else show up in your head uninvited?" There's a hint of self-reproach and apology, there. She might not have thought she minded the intrusion while she was asleep, but now that she's awake, perhaps she's changed her mind.