A place he had not stood within, nor dared to approach since his awakening. Yet here he was, heading there with renewed purpose, though not perhaps the kind that others may expect of him. So much had occurred since the last time he had truly been here, stood upon the precipice of all as he'd watched the world he knew and loved crumble into naught but blood and chaos while everyone else slept. He had remained awake for a while longer, to remember in the place of those that had already fallen and at the time, in place of Fen'harel whom he'd bid to sleep. His wolf had done so much for the people, sacrificed so much, he did not need the additional grief of watching their world fall to bits. No. What burden he could undertake himself in place of the other, he would, and he had. A shudder passing through him, just as wards slipped over his skin, ancient and familiar as he drew closer up the mountain to the fortress itself. It would have been easier to go via the eluvians he was certain the great building still held, certainly.
Yet the elvhen warrior had insisted otherwise, promising to meet those that had requested his arrival there under his own aid, slipping inside as he used to? No matter how convenient it might be, felt too much like trespassing now. It had been his home for some time, but others had remained there since then, and as such he was now a guest to a place he knew like the back of his own hand or the feel of his own magic beneath his skin. It had been quite the trek to get there, the place was hardly known for any sort of ease of access after all, but it granted him much needed time to arrange his thoughts. To consider why after six months, he was returning here. Not just because of Feredir, but because of another as well. Mythal.
The very fact that she was alive was a miracle unto itself, and it left him with more then just a small handful of questions as to the circumstances. He could make assumptions naturally, but he not wanted to pry too much with his wolf. Though he was hardly that anymore, another fact of this life since waking that he would have to work hard to remember. Reaching the gates was not an issue, nor luckily was being allowed entry. Many of those he saw as he stepped through were old familiar faces. While those younger looked at him wearily, those older who had woken that knew his face greeted him warmly, a small smile upon his face as he made his way through. With a promise to at least speak with them a little once his business was done here before he took his leave, Revas made his way further inside. Past old hallways and into different rooms before coming upon the one he was here to see after days of travel. His head dipping slightly in a short bow as he approached before rising again to speak.
[color=#008e02]"My lady Mythal, it is good to see you here with the people once more. If I may, I would like to request a moment of your time, in private."[/color]
It was strange, yet comforting, that she could still attune herself to these wards placed so long ago. They were not the same as the ones she knew, but the stones still held their memory, their essence, and it was to that that Mythal communed with. These younglings did not see the world around them in the same manner as she did; everything was alive, in its own way, and everything was interconnected. Once the heart of something was understood, once it was known, then it could be shaped and changed, built upon or destroyed.
She could have taught them. She could have educated them, as she once had with her own people. But she didn’t. She kept to herself, mostly, and she spent many hours walking the stones of this place now called Skyhold. She enjoyed it, setting herself apart from the inner workings of things, resting as she was bade to, and recovering her strength. Every day was new, with the possibility of memories returning to her.
Truth be told, she attuned herself to the wards for the simple fact that she liked knowing who entered and who left. It was as simple as that. For her own peace of mind, to settle the nebulous sense of unease that still lingered no matter how warm the sun, or how clear the skies.
But what was this?
Mythal turned her head towards the faint ripple that moved through the magic of this place. It was… familiar to her. She rose from her seat, moving to one of the windows that had no barrier in them. The thought to climb out again and resume her pathway over the stones was a good one, but she stayed where she was. Her curiosity was piqued and would not be denied now. So she waited, gaze trained down the hallway as she followed this strange blip that moved through Skybold. Waiting to see what would come.
If it came.
Perhaps this wasn’t meant for her.
But time had not dulled her senses, her eyes widening slightly at the figure that made its way toward her. Someone familar indeed, Mythal recognizing him. Enough of him that her smile, when it came, was warm. Indeed, it has taken quite some time and much effort to bring about my return. Still so serious, Revas. She held out her hands to him, arms outstretched, by way of welcome. Whether he took them or not was his choice. Walk with me then. You may have a moment, but I doubt that is all you will need. Her look was knowing, her words gentle as she chided him softly.
The steps that led up to the grand fortress were familiar, just as the courtyard was once he was granted entry, A wash of magic that settled at first over the tips of his fingers before spreading out and across his whole form like a blanket draped across his shoulders. A place that felt eerily close to what might remain of a home for him, he'd had no others after his own was destroyed, and as such there was a sureness in his step as he moved about the place. Others may have held it for a time across centuries, but that did not erase the raw ancient nature of the magic that resided here, a comfort in the knowledge that such power had remained even as he and so many of his kin slept. And a reminder of what had been made here, of what had been unleashed. A memory brought forth then banished, he could dwell on what he had seen on those days spent in solitude another time. He had a purpose in coming here alone.
It was not as if he owned such a place, few ever truly did, but there was a familiarity that he could not deny. Tracing pathways without much thought, as if he had been hurled back in time to what was before. Nothing spoke of that more as he entered the main keep, magic once more brushing against him, that of the fortress and another. So it was true then. How odd it was then, to encounter the one known as Mythal in a hallway of all places. The mundanity of it gave the elvhen warrior half a mind to laugh, though he restrained himself from doing so, she was different yes - without a doubt. But the power, the essence of who she was, was the same woman he remembered. That for now, was enough to silence any thoughts of what if about her return, he'd had his doubts and then some, and now all that were left were questions. So many of them.
Such warmth was not entirely a surprise, yet there was a moment of hesitation before the corners of his mouth ticked upwards, just slightly in greeting before returning to something more neutral. [color=#008e02]"I find it is better to be, in strange times such as these,"[/color] Softly spoken and perhaps just as serious as she would expect from him, a small shake of the head to politely decline her welcome. As kind as it might be, here and now was not such a place for it, nor did he perhaps deserve such kindness from one he had failed to keep out of harm's way. The guilt still lingered, even if only faint now compared to what came later.
[color=#008e02]"Ah, you are likely correct my lady. Much has changed."[/color] Gentle words they might be, but he knew that look for what it was, a reminder. Even so unlike those who devoted themselves to Mythal without thought who would not dare oppose her word - it was law to those of the People - he did not turn his gaze away from her as many would. Stubborn like that, some had said, they were not wrong. Still falling into step, walking with her as she requested was not difficult, a half-step behind and done without conscious thought. The middle of a hallway was hardly the proper place to speak of all that had transpired in the centuries since.
Dark eyes studied Revas for a moment. She took in the stiffness of his stance, the way he held his shoulders… even the stubborn set of his jaw, his mouth… ah. Rather than prod at him further, she withdrew, clasping her hands behind her back instead. Her gaze went to one of the windows, and Mythal decided that she would indeed make her way back outside. She liked the sun, and even when the skies were overcast, the stones were warm and aware in a way that made her feel… less disoriented in this time that was not her own. The world was no longer familiar, and there were moments when this form was as strange to her as the quicklings that ruled over this fragmented land.
But he followed, half a step behind her. She did not know how much more of an invitation he needed to speak his mind, so she surmised that it had to be their surroundings rather than any true sense of discomfort he had in her presence. Curious that he would have any source of discomfort around her at all… perhaps time had not been kind to him. The corners of her mouth tipped downwards. Time had not been kind to any of them, though she did not feel it as keenly as the others.
Is this Skyhold much like you remember? I have heard that the Inquisition did extensive repairs to the structures around us, though not in the same manner in which they were first erected. I often wonder if there will be more rebuilding to be done. Mythal held no opinion on this matter herself, so enjoyed in discovering the opinions of others.
A familiar gaze swept over him, one he had felt even at the edges of his vision in years past many times before, and during it all his posture did not really shift. A place such as this was too open, too easy to be listened to and he would not dare speak of what might be hard questions in a public space. Even if those here were all aligned with Mythal or Feredir, or both as he supposed he was to a degree. No matter how strange of a thought it might be, even as he'd wandered the land searching for the both of them upon his awakening, things had never been quite right. Some of the magic might sing the same with the Veil no longer in place, but very little else in Thedas did anymore. But perhaps it was to be expected when humans ruled the majority of things now.
His steps quiet and soft as he followed behind her, sunlight flickering down on them meandering through one of the outside spaces Skyhold still had. Though not nearly as full of life and lush foliage as he remembered it, a broken image overlaid it for a moment as hazel eyes dared to glance as their surroundings as they passed. A flicker of a second, gone was all life and met with naught but a swirling void of power above and screams below, gone with a quick shake of the head. His year alone had been a harsh but necessary one in his mind, one he had willingly endured on behalf of those that needed to sink into their rest far sooner then he did, perhaps that was why he had not woken until recently.
Revas at her question, did not stop moving, the corners of his mouth pressing together in thought as he considered the space around them. [color=#008e02]"It seems they have, yes. There are parts... smaller spaces that are identical to my memory of what it was. The rest to me however, resemble cracked glass, I can see what used to be, but most of this place is not the home I remember. Even if the magic feels very similar and welcomes me as if I belong here. I would imagine it is much the same for everyone else here, it feels nostalgic, but it is not quite home. Perhaps it simply requires time."[/color] As lovely as it was, for the moment, he did not feel as safe within these walls as he used to. Nor as certain of his purpose either, but that was another matter altogether.
Another veiled, searching look as her gaze took in Revas’ stance as they walked, the set of his shoulders, the formal, stiff — to her eyes — way in which he moved. He did not feel safe here, and she was not sure as to the cause of it. Perhaps ‘safe’ was too strong a word, but Feredir had assured her that the wards were strong, that they would hold, as they had held for thousands of years. Mythal knew as well, that Elgar’nan would not attack Skyhold directly; that was not his way. Not yet, at any rate. There were still too many unknowns, too many factors that he did not yet control… or had not yet eliminated to commit himself and his forces to a full frontal assault.
Yet even if she were to assure Revas of that, she did not think that he would relax any. A shame, that.
Mythal clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her face up towards the sun, watching the sky for a moment before dropping her gaze back to the places she could see that were still in disrepair. Mmm, then perhaps I will begin reconstruction efforts myself, see where magic and stone guide me. Something useful, and ultimately harmless to familiarize herself with her magic, with the beauty that sang to her very soul.
But what was it that had him so tense, so unwilling to avail himself of the comforts of Skyhold? It was not the place they had once known, but it was still a place that held their power, seeped into the very stones around them, into the very ground beneath them. And is it this discrepancy between what was and what is now that bothers you so? she prodded gently, curious as to what it was that occupied his mind so.
Revas knew that well, the power that soaked into the very foundations of this place would likely never fade, and for that he would be forever thankful. That something of the time before, of their People's perseverance remained despite the thousands upon thousands of years that had passed and would continue to do so in the future. Long after he was dead and gone too. Perhaps that was part of it, the slow march of time atop awakening into a world so familiar and yet so unlike all he knew. It was only natural to want to cling to what he understood, to the formalities of the past, and despite his own realization that he had followed behind Mythal just as he used to - he did not stop doing so. It was habit at this point, altering it right now would likely lead to him simply falling flat on his face. Something he could do without, not when his mind jumbled with a hundred thoughts left unsaid.
[color=#008e02]"Seeing you do so personally may help others here feel more at ease, most certainly."[/color] Those that trusted her actions still, some of his own friends that had survived and still intended to devote themselves to serving her. Had he not fled as soon as he had woken up, perhaps he would have been the same, similarly unending loyal and while he'd still like to think of himself as such - for the People - it was not the same. And likely never would be again. Then of course, she asked, as he had expected her to do. Though in a far softer manner than he expected and for that he offered her a brief smile before he thought to begin, hands gripping tight to the fabric at his sides. Safer that way.
[color=#008e02]"In a way yes. I am not the same person I was then, though I understand it would be easier for myself would that be the case. If I were to simply fall back into old habits but I do not believe I can anymore."[/color] A pause, an intake of breath, the magic all around them helped - even if only a little before he continued. [color=#008e02]"There are multiple reasons why I sought you out my lady, besides my enjoyment of being in your company that is. While those that remain here have continued to aid you, much like before, I do not believe I can be as they are. I have not been your General in many centuries my lady, and should you want what little help I can provide you are free to request it, but I will not act simply because you deem it right anymore. There is too much at stake, to many things I risk loosing if I do so."[/color] Elgar'nan had not been right on the evening he pledged himself to help Mythal as one leading a large part of her forces, it had been the right choice at the time, he knew that to be true. But things were not the same anymore.
Shoulders slumping slightly, part of the weight taken away, yet plenty of burdens still remained. [color=#008e02]"In truth, I do not know where I belong anymore. I feel much like I am fumbling around in the dark, trying to help those I care about and the one I love."[/color] This, was why he had not wanted such a public setting and while upon the battlements felt little better, it had to be enough. Quiet, softer words, a touch of fear in his tone. Fear of the unknown, of going against powers he had no chance of surviving, but if it meant safety for others? He would do so happily. Unfortunately while he had before, stood so tall as he told her of what would be. Now? Now he could not meet her eyes.
Her head tilted to the side ever-so-slightly. Seeing her begin rebuilding personally may help others feel more at ease. But not him? Perhaps she was reading too much into what was said. She did not think so, however. Rather than confront him directly about his word choice, Mythal remained quiet, keeping her hands clasped behind her back the way that they were. She did not miss the way his hands gripped at the fabric along his sides, but she did not draw attention to it by staring outright at the gesture. It was curious though, that he was so agitated.
As she listened, she could not help but remember Elgar'nan's words. None of them were as they were then. To try was to embrace stagnation; to expect so was folly. She’d cared for him, once, a long, long time ago. Just as she had cared for Revas, though in a different capacity. A brow arched, but she did not interrupt, waiting until he had finished, spoken that which he felt necessary.
Revas. You chose to be called ‘freedom’. I do not expect blind obedience, nor do I hold you to the bonds you swore long ago. We are not the same as we were then. The world is not the same. If you say you cannot be my General, than you cannot. If you say you cannot aid me in my battle against Elgar’nan, then you cannot. If you do not agree with my choices, what I believe is right, then you do not. Here, her focus sharpened, honing in completely on him. I am Mythal, the Great Protector. The All-Mother. I have not forgotten what those mean. Do not mistake me for another.
As cutting as her gaze was, she did not believe than the male she had offered sheltered to all those years ago had meant any offense, so she deliberately softened her expression once again. Not that it mattered when he did not seem able to meet her eyes. Again, curious.
Your quandary is not unique, nor it is uncommon. Would you believe that I, too, am not certain where I belong in this new world? But that is part of the beauty of it, I think. We are given the chance to find out, to forge ahead, to surround ourselves with friends, loved ones, old and new. And here, while some of the warmth faded from her eyes, the softness did not. She was not blind. As for the one you love, know that I will not currently interfere but I will be watching.
Those that remained here would surely be reassured, feel a little safer, perhaps even more at home within this new yet oddly familiar Thedas. But such a grouping did not include him, though he knew he would never fully cut ties with the other that had spared him when she so easily could have ended his life back then. Reduced him back to a spirit, with no memory of what was, the horrors that had been inflicted upon his kingdom and the entirety of it's people. He wondered if she knew, he had never spoken of it to her since his arrival on that day, had she poked around in his mind to find out at some point? Or simply inferred his suffering from the way he carried himself? Of a leader crumbled and broken, but with the Evanuris being who they were, he supposed they could all be described as such. Her too surely, though hidden better then most.
That she let him speak without interruption was a kindness he did not miss nor mistake, though the all-mother as others may call her, had never truly been unkind to him. Critical at times, but back then such had been expected, it had been the way of things when wars were waged and instructions were given to be followed. Now was different. He was too, and perhaps she had changed since her return to Thedas more than he had first considered. What she would let show of such alterations however, he couldn't say. Her total focus was as he remembered, not intimidating per se, not as he'd seen others be. All but trying not to shake standing before one who held such power and influence. But something else altogether, an emotion that even after all this time he could not quite put his finger on. Not fear or concern, an understanding perhaps, that she meant every word.
[color=#008e02]"I would never do so my lady, I hope you would know that of me after so long."[/color] Regardless of his time spent sleeping or her piecing herself back together bit by bit, they had known of one another for almost as long as he had held a body of his own to inhabit. [color=#008e02]"I chose that name to seek it in every aspect of my life here, both for those I know and those I have yet to meet. I will aid you against Elgar'nan, he cannot be allowed to have his way for a second time. Should I ever not agree with your choices, I will be sure to inform you as to the reasons why."[/color] Statements each and every one, and of course, she had no need nor any requirement to listen to him. But just as he had done with Feredir, he simply was not the type of person to keep his mouth shut when he thought things could be done another way. Good or not, the People were what mattered, preserving those who remained and ensuring those that wanted to wake from sleeping could still do so when they wished to. Things could not repeat themselves and if he saw any of the Evanuris doing as they had before, to begin again such destruction? He would shout until he was heard, if need be.
Even as he fell silent and saw her expression shift, his uncertainty in the moment got the best of him. Left his thoughts turning inwards, tumbling in a downward spiral that he managed to stop with a sharper grip. Blunt nails pressed into his palms, a touch of pain to ground him in the present. When he did find himself able to meet her gaze again, he saw no lie in her words. Just warmth. Surprise enough that it showed upon his face, a mixture even as his grip loosened and he bit at the inside of his cheek in a moment of introspection. [color=#008e02]"I would believe it yes, I do not believe you are lying to me, there would be little point to it."[/color] Yet even as he spoke, even as he saw some of that warmth fade from her expression he did not flinch away. Frankly speaking, he wondered why she seemed to look at him like that, like something close to fondness. Was it genuine?
Nothing else seemed to matter in the seconds after however, one thought gone and replaced by another. She knew. Revas had not even dared to mention his name and yet she knew. He supposed he should not truly be shocked by such a fact, always fools had expected too little of her and she had surpassed all of them. But he wording was... rather strange. Amusing in one way and concerning in another. [color=#008e02]"I did not think you thought of me so highly as to follow me around at all times, should I be flattered or worried that my every move will be watched?"[/color] Times were changing indeed, and the light sarcasm in his tone showed that, along with the edges of his lips curled upwards. A little more relaxed, a clear intent to treat her not as some grand figure, but as a person like any other.
Do I know that of you after so long? she returned, a brow lifting slightly as she regarded him once more with her full attention. Her smile was faint, but it fell a little at mention of Elgar’nan. She did not attempt to hide her emotions here; what would be the point? Revas had been there before. He knew. And in that knowing, Mythal believed that her honesty in regards to he whom she once cared for, was best.
The All-Father and I have spoken and I do not hold out any hope that he will change his course. Seeing as I will not alter mine, the time that he and I meet on the battlefield, for it could not be called anything but that, is inevitable. It was only a question of when?
His sarcasm was unexpected and she both felt irritation and amusement, both things she let show upon her face as she leaned in until their faces were scant inches apart. Dark eyes studied his features, narrowing slightly as she traced over the sweep of cheekbones, widening slightly as she mapped out the shape of nose bridge. For a full minute, she scrutinized his features, settling back again once she was satisfied.
Mmmm. The noise she made was noncommittal. Once again she clasped her hands behind her back, her smile far too pleasant for the sudden amount of teeth that it showed. If I do not watch you, dear one, how am I to know which one of you, yourself or Solas, to fling over the ramparts if you cross me? she asked nonchalantly. Mythal smiled wider. I suppose I could simply toss you both over and allow you and he the understanding of working that out amongst yourselves…
He had to wonder about that.[color=#008e02] "I would like to think so, my lady, yes. Time has changed all of us, that much is certain, but it has not completely altered who I am I can assure you of that. My priorities in this new world are simply... different, that is all."[/color] Frankly, Revas did not truly think he had changed quite as drastically as some others here had. Or even those that died with the Veil being raised. They had not wanted to leave all they knew behind and he understood that, were it not for Solas and Mythal alike, he might have wanted to join them. To live out his final days in the lands he knew and saw as home, no matter if it had been torn apart and an Empire built upon it. Only to be ripped to shreds once more through war. Instead? He was here, doing what he could to help.
Amusing how life worked like that.
Mentioning Elgar'nan was never a pleasing topic anymore, once it would have been, if a little grumpy at whatever he had done most recently to stir up trouble within Arlathan. But such had not been the way of things for centuries, moving on was required. Knowing she had already spoken to him, well, there was little else to say on the matter. That he had refused even Mythal out of anyone else, wasn't a good sign. And a battle between them looming meant destruction likely beyond anything those in the Thedas of today had ever seen. No matter how much the land had already been scarred, the level of power to be thrown around was concerning, to say the least. [color=#008e02]"I understand."[/color] He did, perhaps too well. There were preparations to be made, more then he had originally thought. Lovely.
Of course, then came the mention of Solas, or Feredir as he knew the other. It couldn't be helped and he was not going to bother trying to hide it, that would only make things worse. The sarcasm left his mouth before he really thought about it. Yet when she leaned in, he kept still. A brow raised in silent question, while others might back away, he merely remained where he was. Wondering to himself just what Mythal was looking for, was she hoping to see him flinch, to test if he was lying about his own emotions? Despite the confusion that lingered in the back of his mind, curiosity was what displayed upon his features in that minute, the want to know why. But he would not ask. She would tell him if she felt like it, most likely.
[color=#008e02]"Ah, I see."[/color] What it meant by crossing her boundaries, would be an interesting discovery. Given that her knowing how he felt hadn't done it, he wondered what would and if it was likely at the moment. He had no desire to be thrown head first off of a mountaintop. No matter if he could save himself with magic, that wasn't the point. [color=#008e02]"If it concerns you, Feredir is... well, oblivious in regards to me. I do not wish to hurt him, nor you Mythal. It is why I thought it better to keep such things to myself."[/color] He was happy with Mythal alive once more, shown upon his features or not, he knew that to be true. A selfish part of him wanted to speak it aloud regardless, but would that not just ruin things? While he still met her gaze as he spoke, there was uncertainty there, in his choices or potential actions.
Her smile was slight, humourless, dark eyes lifting to the sky once again as she studied the position of the sun. There can never be too many preparations made when facing the All Father. Things changed, yes, but Elgar’nan was as brilliant as he was mad and she had made the mistake of underestimating him once before. Mythal knew now, there was nothing he would not do, no low he would not stoop to, if he thought it would bring him victory. Or advantage.
Feredir.
Revas dared to call him Feredir while in her presence? Her eyes narrowed for a moment, and she glanced up at the sky again. Quite bold, to grace him with the name that I gave him, she commented mildly, though the slight edge to her words was anything but. She took in a deep breath, letting the crisp, cold air pass through her as she breathed it back out.
Peace. There was no threat here, save perhaps her own pride. Her mouth lifted again, a brow arching. I do not see how it could not concern me, being that this is about something very near and dear to my heart. But as to his… obliviousness, that is nothing new. He is oblivious in many ways, to many things. Her head canted slightly and she met Revas’ gaze, holding it for as long as he permitted. I said before, I will not interfere, whatever you decide to do. Only be mindful that this is not about who loves him, but who he loves.
Her. She knew this to be truth. But could there be sentiment there for Revas too? Strange, how she found herself feeling both frustrated by it, and perversely curious over it. Frowning, she rubbed her hands together even though she was not cold. In all the time I was gone, have you truly said nothing to him about this?
In that respect, we will always agree. Power always sought itself out, no matter how much time had passed. That he had found to be a fact, despite how little time he had spent awake, preparations still had to be made. Even when he had first begun his search for the other, a foolish one perhaps - when looking back on it - not once had he forgotten the danger that loomed overhead. That would threaten them all without care, but given enough knowledge, perhaps something could be done about it. To ensure something close to a peace for the centuries to come. Of course new issues would arise, perhaps even from the remainder of the Evanuris themselves. But that was a topic to be dealt with as it arose.
Of course, the moment he spoke the name aloud, he knew it was perhaps not the smartest thing to do. Her tone told him of that, yet regardless of if she saw it as a slight to her or not, in this he wouldn't be backing down. Perhaps. But that name became his own the moment he accepted it. That he told me, gave me the option to use it, is a gift I shall not use lightly. Naught but the truth spoken, he could not recall the last time he had used it before anyone that was not the wolf himself. If he ever had. He knew Feredir like privacy to a degree, and he had no intention of disrespecting that, no matter how irritable it might make the one who stood before him.
But naturally, their discussion on the topic continued, because it had to. A necessity perhaps, had he mentioned nothing, would she had ever brought it up? Noticed but never voiced? He wondered about that, though they were in agreement about certain aspects, the freedom she granted yet remained. The fact that she insisted about not interfering surprised him still, given who they were speaking of. Was she that certain of the outcome? Or simply looking to watch him make an utter fool of himself before someone she knew would move the entirety of existence for her? It did not seem to be quite as malicious as that, at least not from the way she looked at him. But he had no way of being certain. I am well aware of that fact. That stark reminder stood before him, flesh made whole again after all.
Revas expected things to end there, for that to be the end of such topics, to leave him be. Maybe even insist he depart and head elsewhere. Yet instead asking something that showed a level of curiosity, in his actions or lack thereof. He could not help but chuckle a little, a quiet almost sad sound that died out after a few moments. If only he'd been given the time she seemed to assume he'd had. You must understand, I have not been at his side as long as you think, as much as I wish that were not the truth. I saw the grief that took hold of him, stayed with him to help create the veil. In that time... there was much to be done, he needed comfort, someone to make sure he did not work himself into oblivion in the pursuit of saving our people. Not to be distracted by my own feelings or demand they take priority over the continued existence of our people. There wasn't the space for it, his wounds were so raw I did not dare. By the time I woke up? Well you were already here, whole, so no I have said nothing. When would I have found such time? Recalling such memories were far less pleasant then expected, like his skin had been rubbed raw, an uncomfortable fact that would not leave.
