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

Nathaniel paused, unsure how to respond. There was no beauty in life from where he stood-- never had been. He almost felt he couldn't help her.

Can't expect the world to be gentle with you. The ex-soldier said, finally. You need some fight in you, princess. Life's always throwing punches, that's why you swing right back.
He sat down, still looking at Mara. Despite his lack of knowledge regarding seeing life as beautiful, he wanted to help. He saw potential in her, maybe the flicker of something that could grow into fire. And that was what she would need to protect herself.