[ He intends to continue using it, both because she is his dearest, and because she seems to like the name. If she said that she did not, of course he would refrain, but he can see from her reactions that she does. ]

You could never cause me harm, Lantaa. And rest assured that you never have, so far as I am concerned.

[ The words that people say about himself do not trouble him as much as they might have in his younger years. What does trouble him is the notion that people may speak ill of her, and that is unacceptable in his mind. He would not hesitate to intervene and ask any who speak unkindly about her to cease, regardless of the impact upon himself or his reputation. Preserving his reputation pales in comparison to defending Alkaid and her honor. Perhaps he has been remiss in doing so. If that is the case, then he resolves to put every effort into seeing that she receives the respect she deserves. ]

It seems to me that you surprise me far more often, but I intend to do my best to give you pleasant surprises as well.

[ He smiles when her nose presses against him, and his smile widens as she begins to assist with removing his armor. But in almost the very same moment that she reaches for the tub, that smile is replaced with worry. ]

Are you all right? You should sit. [ If he has to place her in the tub, or on a chair, he will. His needs will always come second to hers, at least in his mind. ]</small.