[ He sighs heavily, because his personal wishes and what he feels is his duty seem to be warring with each other at this precise moment. This time, however, he decides to listen to his own desires, even though he is reluctant to place more burdens on top of her. He rises from his position at his desk, bringing with him the pot of ink, his quill, and additional papers should they require more.

Once he has crossed over to where she is sitting, he joins her in sitting beside her. ]

I am sure that you would rather discuss something else other than the war and the tactics that we must engage in.

[ He truly does not mean to bar her from helping, and he fervently hopes she does not take his words that way. It is only that he imagines she would rather spend her time with him relaxing and speaking of more pleasant topics.

After a brief pause while he lets her words sink in, he looks up to meet her gaze. ] Lest you think me wholly ungracious, I am grateful and thankful for the help you, your sister, and the Scions have given us.

[ That does not change the fact that he still feels that he will be unable to rest even with her help, but he chooses to leave that unsaid. ]