Sun Mote Copse if heaven's grief brings hell's rain

He found the name fitting; short, pretty, and graceful. It was true that Nathaniel didn't often allow himself such simple-minded observations, but this Mara girl was proving remarkably non-irritating. That in itself inspired a fonder way of thinking towards her.
Though, he was admittedly surprised when she stepped closer to him, and more so at her words. The ex-soldier had seen and felt it in himself enough to recognize what lay behind her words. He got the sense he wasn't the only one in this forest who had lost things too painful to put words to.
It softened him further-- though he was still likely more shocked than anyone when he found himself gently chiding her. Don't throw your life away, princess. He met her eyes, gaze intense. It's worth more than a shallow grave on the forest floor.