[He sees it as the lie it is, but smiles to himself anyway. She has always been polite with him, even here, even now that she must be in terrible pain.
He will check in on her - politely, from a distance. He does not imagine she is quite as adept at hiding her pain as he is, but expressing some concern for her well being would be a good half step forward. If he's to express concern for anyone, it would be over her or Abigail or Will.
Her words could be perceived a slight, a jibe meant to imply he has no more humanity than those poor creatures living in the dark. She'd be entitled to the thought, but among the least likely to have it. She knows him - one side of him - too well.]
I returned largely unscathed. Thank you for asking.
[Largely unscathed and well fed. Dirty and bloody and sorely lacking flavor and civility, but the caves were freeing. No mask to wear, no one to lie to - not after he took Bruce's kidney. He shredded his veil and strode the earth free of all bonds, with dirt beneath his nails and blood on his cuffs.
Then he washed himself clean, sewed the veil together, and became a man again. There are certain uses to creature comforts, and he will never willingly abandon his highest standards.]
private.
He will check in on her - politely, from a distance. He does not imagine she is quite as adept at hiding her pain as he is, but expressing some concern for her well being would be a good half step forward. If he's to express concern for anyone, it would be over her or Abigail or Will.
Her words could be perceived a slight, a jibe meant to imply he has no more humanity than those poor creatures living in the dark. She'd be entitled to the thought, but among the least likely to have it. She knows him - one side of him - too well.]
I returned largely unscathed. Thank you for asking.
[Largely unscathed and well fed. Dirty and bloody and sorely lacking flavor and civility, but the caves were freeing. No mask to wear, no one to lie to - not after he took Bruce's kidney. He shredded his veil and strode the earth free of all bonds, with dirt beneath his nails and blood on his cuffs.
Then he washed himself clean, sewed the veil together, and became a man again. There are certain uses to creature comforts, and he will never willingly abandon his highest standards.]
I am sorry you cannot say the same.