[Alice listens to the suggestions and seriously considers the merits of each. He's right--none of them are especially good.]

And it's possible that blocking the cave systems may not even accomplish anything. The Cwyld has already broken through what was supposed to be an impenetrable barrier. I can't imagine a less-fortified one would halt it for long.

[Her sigh matches his.]

I suppose I don't really want to hear what the "really terrible" suggestion is, do I? [Although she anticipates he may share it anyway, so she steels herself for it.]