[ A thought springs to mind then that seems to come from somewhere far away and long ago, but it feels every bit as familiar now as it did the first time that he thought it: he wishes to serve her, to meet every need and request that she might have. Of course, they are partners and a pair, but partners help each other, and that is what he wishes to do for her. His parents were the same way: working together but also helping each other with anything the other needed.

If he can do that for her, then he will find himself very fulfilled indeed. ]

Ah. Of course, I wondered if you might ask. [ He does not mind that she did ask, nor does he mind giving an answer. It is not something he wishes to remember, but he has no interest in withholding anything from her. ]

I do not recall all the details myself, but the parts that I missed were filled in for me by others. So far as I can tell, the individual was not in search of any particular person to feed from. Our paths crossed, and he was seemingly feeling particularly ravenous, and I was a convenient target. [ And he was in a somewhat destructive mood, at least in Aymeric's mind. Of course, he did not seek out his attacker to understand why he did what he did, but it seems to him that he was looking for some trouble to cause or someone to harm. ]

I only have guesses as to his mindset and his motivation, but I- [ He hesitates as if wondering whether or not to share his suspicions on this matter. While he is mulling things over, he gives an involuntary shiver in response to her fingers brushing against the scars. They are healed over, of course, but he still responds in certain ways when they are touched or brushed against. ]