I wish I knew. At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if there wasn't any point to it. [His gaze falls and he shuts his eyes, gently shaking his head.]

...but it's all right. I'm just glad you haven't had to experience anything like that. [Not this time. Not yet. How depressing, that such thoughts were just a part of life in Luceti? As much as he wants to be able to protect her, as much as he knows she wants to protect him...]

[But it wasn't just the Malnosso, was it? There were even worse things in this world to worry about. The hand that had been on his neck trails over to his shoulder. Even after all this time, it was still a little stiff to move it.]