After lowering his arms, he's quiet for a time; intentionally making the effort to think through what he wants to say before speaking. It's another new habit he's learned and that might undercut his message. "I know what you meant and what I said still stands. If I met you a thousand years from now, I'd still know you. You are good, kind, and you care so much."

"I didn't tell you everything I knew, because much of it was told to me in confidence and I chose not to risk betraying my sources. I was warned the King and Queen could torture you and make you reveal names, and then they and I would all be hunted." With a wry expression that could barely be called a smile he continued.

"We're both going to make mistakes, we're going to hurt people. Those we love will suffer and die. Or worse. But what else can we do but keep fighting? The war must be stalled until a third road can be made."