“There isn’t really anything to forgive,” Rezo says, which is probably only adding to the mixed messages that this poor woman is receiving.

He’s confusing even himself at this point; talking and working with her is, half the time, something pleasant that leaves him feeling light and pleased and reluctant to leave her side; and yet there are moments where his chest tightens and his heart grows heavy and he wonders what he’s even doing, spending time with her like this.

As he’s pondering this, he’s hit by a wave of dizziness and he has to pause to lean heavily on his staff. It’s only a brief moment before he regains his equilibrium but it is a definite warning sign that he’s not in a fit state to be brooding, or doing much of anything.

“My apologies,” he says. “I hope I didn’t startle you.”