[ A part of him still doubts himself and that he is what she needs and deserves, but the faith she seems to have in him speaks loud and clear. And so does the look in her eyes; it is that look that gives him the encouragement he needs to reach for her small clothes and begin to remove them. ]

I feel as though there is much and more that I could do and that I could be, but your belief in me... I value it more than anything that I possess.

[ And in his mind, that is no small thing for him to admit. But then he falls silent so that he might listen to what she is relating to him. ]

One day, I would see this Rhalgr's Reach. With you by my side, of course. I could tell you anything that you wished to know about Ishgard and our military history, but when it comes to other nations and locations in the world, I remain woefully unaware.

[ His expression shifts, turning sober and serious, concerned for the well-being of the people of Rhalgr's Reach. That concern is nearly disrupted by the way she begins to trace along the edges of his ear with her kisses, and for a moment, the usual tension in his frame lessens and his eyes slide closed. They are quick to open again, but he still remains relaxed even as he continues listening. ]

I imagine it was not by anything that we in Ishgard did that kept us from being the same as the people of which you speak. We could have broken as well, and I can hardly claim to know why it is we were spared that fate.

[ Some might say that it was their determination or their faith and their belief, but everyone has those things until circumstances choke them out. That seems to be what happened to Rhalgr's Reach, and he sympathizes greatly with the people who call it home, even though he has never met them. ]