[ He knows full well that everything that causes him fear and trepidation that he will lose those he cares about most is something conjured up by his mind and heart, and thus is not particularly rational. He could give voice once more to what troubles him, but what would be the point of it? She would gently rebuff each worry as she has in the past, and what is more, he is the one who ought to be offering reassurance and comfort now.

As always, therefore, he pushes everything down and out of sight except for his love and care for her. ]

That, my dear, is why I am determined to see you to full health once more, and I am more resolved than ever to never leave your side. [ He knows that she believes him to be her knight and her protector, but what sort of protector is he if he cannot even save her from being injured? ] I cannot help but feel that I have much ground to cover and much to make up to you, and I intend to try to the best of my ability.

[ Protecting her heart is one thing, and he will always do so, but what of protecting her person as well? ]

I love you so very, very much. [ There is no doubt of that, nor has there been, but he feels the need to state it plainly now.

He watches as she slides the ring onto his finger, and once it is settled there, his smile widens. In his eyes, it is perfect, and needs no other adjustments. But when her hands find their way to the sash that he customarily wears, his smile grows even wider, although there is a question in his eyes as well. ]

I would welcome your assistance, as always, but would not doing so further agitate your wounds? Nay, I believe we should address those first before anything else. I do not wish to overtax you so soon. [ Or at all, as the case may be. ]