Ah. [ And just like that, her meaning is crystal clear. They had made promises about journeys they would take together and adventures they would have, but time and circumstance always got in the way. Still, he will not have her blaming herself for any of it, nor apologizing for something that is not her fault. ]

Lantaa, I know full well that it is not always possible to achieve everything that one hopes for and dreams of. [ He reaches for her to try and capture her attention and her gaze as well so that she might see the sincerity in his eyes and the smile that he wears. ] You have already given me everything I could have asked for simply by being you and by continuing to be here. You have nothing to apologize for.

[ His nod of affirmation is quick and decisive. ] It is the best surprise, and then some. [ And then he reaches for her once more, this time to gently brush away the tears lingering on her face. ]