[The touch to his hand brings a faint spattering of flush across his cheeks. That day in Kholusia he remembered very well, and would for the rest of his life. It was the one moment he wanted for himself in all of the urgency of their circumstances, the one guilty pleasure he had allowed himself, a chance to lay bare what he wished, to give in to the honesty his heart longed for.]

[To have it brought back to him now, to have his dearest wish acknowledged for what it was in that moment, humbles him beyond measure, second only to hearing his name.]

If that is what you wish, I would only be too happy to indulge you, in your journey and in your efforts to protect others. What we have here is not perfect, but it has sustained my people for near a century. If you have any suggestion for our fortifications or otherwise, I am open to it, as I am sure Captain Lyna will be. And pray, only let me know when you wish to go, and I will make time.