Noctisardor Bypass I can't turn back around and doubt my destination

"because no matter vhat you believe, laurel, i do care for you. it may not be the sort of love you have demanded and begged from me, but it exists all the same." mahler's voice was raw and low, though without malice. he wanted to understand what had harmed her, as much as he desired that she came to comprehend the weight upon him, and how he must put the whole of rivenwood first.
not only laurel. not only himself.
mahler knew in two years' past he would have gone at once to war. but this was not that time. his life was filled with the pains of a long life. and while he knew he was not so elderly, the weariness with which mahler had existed so long had paled his zeal for living.
the gargoyle looked at laurel a long and daunting moment, wanting to tell her the true nature of the illness that rotted in him.
"let me take care of you here. you and your young."
what was it but a final act? mahler felt strongly as though she would throw aside his words again, and prepared.