Of course, you're right. She did choose you both, and Eorzea is much better for it, but I- [ He decides then that perhaps it is best if he refrains from being too forthcoming with his inner thoughts. The last thing he wishes is to offend her or cause her trouble. ]

I believe that I know something of how you feel. It seems as though we accomplish much together, and that has led to a certain sort of kinship, but it could be more. Or perhaps I am merely thinking too much and should focus on other things. [ Still, he feels as though her sentiments may as well be his own, and he does not carry half the responsibility that she and her sister do. ]

Yes, I believe that our path will be long, winding here and there before it finally reaches an end. [ He smiles in response to her hand resting on his head. He is certainly not offended by the gesture, but rather, he draws comfort from it. ] It became something of a home, or at least, that is how I came to think of it. A refuge when we had nowhere else to turn, and a place where we were welcomed to with open arms.

[ Not by all who lived there, of course, but the ones who did became quite important to Alphinaud, and evidently to Alkaid as well. ]

For now, yes, but there might be a time when you will be able to return, and linger there for a longer period of time. [ He hopes that is the case, at least. ]