[ He notes the look in her eyes, and all he wants to do in this moment is reach for her and pull her into a fond embrace. Too soon, they will have to part, and every instinct is telling him to ignore his duty and stay with her. But doing that would land him in no small amount of trouble, as he has received direct orders. To disregard them would not be taken well, nor taken lightly. And as much as he wishes to remain with her, he knows he must follow orders.

As for her question, it is anyone's guess. ] I am hopeful to be gone no more than a week, but these training exercises could take longer.

[ The war effort is important, of course, but now for the first time, he finds his interests are conflicting. And more than that, there is an old and ancient feeling that is urging him that if he truly must go, he must be cautious and careful, so that he can return to her whole and unharmed. ]

Once they decide that our training is complete for the moment, we should be permitted to return home. [ And again, he feels as though he would simply leave at the conclusion of it all, with or without permission. But such an act would carry consequences, and even at his boldest, he is not sure he could flout authority in such a way. ]

I intend to return to you as soon as I am able.