[ He listens closely to every word that she speaks, knowing that there is wisdom to be found in her words, but while he does his best to keep his thoughts from showing too plainly on his face, something about what she says troubles him just slightly. He decides that it is merely his being human and every bit as fallible as the next person that causes him to worry. He is not doubting his leadership so much as he fears choosing the wrong path and bringing them to ruin, or at least trouble. But then, that is why there is a House of Lords and Commons as well, not just one man attempting to steer the city-state in any one direction.
With that thought in mind, he pushes away his doubts and tries instead to focus on the present conversation. ]
At times, I wonder why you consent to spend time with me, considering how often my thoughts tend to run away from me. [ Not for the first time, he notes how deftly she is able to bring him back when he becomes too lost in his own mind, letting his worries take the forefront once more. ] I cannot promise that it will be a simple matter, but I will do my best to share what is on my mind and not withhold my thoughts from you. And you know that you can always tell me what troubles you, and I will also endeavor to be attentive to your needs.
[ That will not be difficult for him, because he desires nothing more than to be a help to her however and whenever he can. ]
I suppose your own words are why I thought you may not desire to make Ishgard your home: we offered it to you as a place to call your home, and you came here by necessity, not necessarily willingly. [ Simply put, it was chosen for them, more or less, but he also recognizes that she and K'thisru became involved in their affairs of their own accord, not because they were compelled to. At least, it seems to him that the dedication they showed in their participation in the war and all other events that transpired spoke of this being more than another task in a long list of them.
He lightly brushes his fingers against the scar, even as the look in his eyes shifts to a mixture of worry and the barest amount of self-reproach for not being there to shield her from harm. ]
Occupied with other worries, and yet your welfare remains a significant one, even among all the others that I must see to. [ And when she draws attention to the other scar across her cheek, that sense of failing her only grows. ] Perhaps I should see to having a protection charm made for you as well, for those times when I cannot be present to aid you.
[ They both know all too well that those times will be many, and there is very little that either of them can do to alter that. ]
no subject
With that thought in mind, he pushes away his doubts and tries instead to focus on the present conversation. ]
At times, I wonder why you consent to spend time with me, considering how often my thoughts tend to run away from me. [ Not for the first time, he notes how deftly she is able to bring him back when he becomes too lost in his own mind, letting his worries take the forefront once more. ] I cannot promise that it will be a simple matter, but I will do my best to share what is on my mind and not withhold my thoughts from you. And you know that you can always tell me what troubles you, and I will also endeavor to be attentive to your needs.
[ That will not be difficult for him, because he desires nothing more than to be a help to her however and whenever he can. ]
I suppose your own words are why I thought you may not desire to make Ishgard your home: we offered it to you as a place to call your home, and you came here by necessity, not necessarily willingly. [ Simply put, it was chosen for them, more or less, but he also recognizes that she and K'thisru became involved in their affairs of their own accord, not because they were compelled to. At least, it seems to him that the dedication they showed in their participation in the war and all other events that transpired spoke of this being more than another task in a long list of them.
He lightly brushes his fingers against the scar, even as the look in his eyes shifts to a mixture of worry and the barest amount of self-reproach for not being there to shield her from harm. ]
Occupied with other worries, and yet your welfare remains a significant one, even among all the others that I must see to. [ And when she draws attention to the other scar across her cheek, that sense of failing her only grows. ] Perhaps I should see to having a protection charm made for you as well, for those times when I cannot be present to aid you.
[ They both know all too well that those times will be many, and there is very little that either of them can do to alter that. ]