please do not speak of the matter,

no need to be so glum.

ah, no, they had me for much worse reasons. do not worry.

it's a complicated and long story. (and a story arc he's done and buried, but...) let us simply say I have a dark heart, and leave it at that.

there was an... incident with kiran- mh. I suppose that made many of her- them? become a bit more vocal.

(oh, goodness gracious, 'tis the good madam knight. now of all times.) i... yes, that is very true. thank you for the kind words. i'm merely not used to, ah... ... attention, in this form.

mm. as always, dame, you are a beacon of sensibility in moments of unease. thank you. (bright smile. he does genuinely feel quite calmed- as always, thanks to her.)

I fear you might be disappointed- I've gone through some ordeals, and that matter is mostly solved... it's just a heart, now. a little strange in function and look, but not dangerous as it was.

(quietly mending clothes. steady hand, steady needle.)

Halthony.

You could just ask.