He had to think about how to word himself. Most of the time he was subtle around her. Even perhaps a little withdrawn. Developing feelings for someone was never a convenient adventure and there was no doubt that she struck something within him, right down to the very stone core. The issue was trying to figure out how to be 'human' enough to deal with it.

"I can think of far worse things to contract by way of your companionship," he reassured her. "Falling ill may very well be a blessing, if I may be so bold." It was probably one of the most polite things he'd ever said to her.

"Permit me to care for you a bit and when you tire of my company, simply say so and I will leave you in peace. But I have watched you long enough and not said as much as I should have." Like confessions of love. Things she deserved to hear and things he had lacked courage to give voice to.

The man had spent years stalking dangerous men and women, in arms against magics he had no defence against, and yet trying to bare his heart was far more frightening than such trifling nonsense.