Herbalists' Cache patience and restraint

Just- He blurted, but he halted when he saw the look in her eyes, that he thought was a mix of hurt and disappointment. He felt it too- though likely only a fraction of the insecurity she might have felt. She came to terms with it, or so she said. He felt the urge to mansplain the hell out of it- but he held back. 

A little bit of distance between them might be for the best. It was a sacrifice he hoped he could make up for, in a peaceful future.

Humour was a relief, but a temporary one. As soon as he’d drawn a smile from her, it faded into a look of worry that he wished she did not have to bear.

Of course, He response came as a reflex. Of course, He said again, with more intention. Sun Eater knows I won’t fight, but that I’ll help with the children. I’m hoping he’ll believe that I’m doing it for him, so that he doesn’t… He grimaced and winced. The man had torn Gjalla’s throat out- what was to stop him from killing another?