[ Now he really did exhale a laugh, if no more than a short puff of one. In a younger man it might have even sounded a little abashed. Instead, it was just... relieved, and weary. ]

Ahh. I am pleased you find it so, my lady Scion. I confess I have perhaps spoken more today than all the last week combined.

[ His wry smile returned, and as she spoke, he leaned quietly against the back of the bench, considering all she said with gravity and attention which seemed to go briefly inward. ]

I'm not... unfamiliar with survivor's guilt. To this day, it shadows me. If it were a trouble I could yarely defeat, I would tell you the secret of it...

The best I can offer is that failure does not make you unworthy. Mark me, my lady, you were chosen. And I, at least, have faith in you.