Perhaps it is unfair of me, and certainly uncomplimentary, but as necessary as my responsibilities and the many reports which I must read are, nevertheless, at times, I find them quite dull and dry. But I will not have it said that I ever shirked from my duty or gave less than my all, no matter the task at hand. Even so, anything I might hear from you, either in person or otherwise, will always be worth the wait. [ His smile grows warm then as he adds: ] Please do so, whenever you find yourself with the time.

[ But then his smile is replaced by a look of concern, because he always worries about her and her well-being. She and her sister carry so much, and so many people's hopes hinge upon them. He wonders if it might be too much for them to carry. ]

Would I step into fire or into the path of a sword if it meant saving you? Of course. But neither do I wish to cause you grief, Lantaa. [ Similarly, if she were to be gone, he would also be at a loss for how to move forward. And although he has much and more to learn about her sister, she is no less important in his eyes. To lose one or both of them would be a tremendous loss indeed, and he means to do all in his power to keep them safe. He would place his own life on the line for them, but that action will always be a last resort. ]

Your words might as well be my own, for I would do the same for both of you. And although it would be a hard task to complete and nothing short of a betrayal in the eyes of many, even my own, if I could ensure your safety and continued presence beside me, I would forsake my oaths and vows, willingly taking on any reproach and disapproval that anyone saw fit to heap upon me.

[ Does he hope that it never comes to that? Yes. Because to betray the place and the people that he loves so much might as well be a death-blow to him, regardless of how deeply he loves her.

If she is going to make declarations of her thoughts and feelings, then so is he. ]