There is something about that affirmation that feels unreal to him. Because it is what he wants to hear, and even knowing everything that had to happen to lead up to it, why does all that feel like not enough? Like there is more owed for it?

The two had once been masters of self-control in their own ways, and differently free in ways the other was not. But a few times something in the Dark Urge had unbuckled when they were alone. Rare moments of penetrating, intense sincerity, and it had been Bane's once-Chosen's duty to respond in kind. To prove it was a secret he would hold for him, say and do what he must to help him right himself, and send him back to his temple unsullied. But also to cherish that something had passed between them that was worth protecting.

To see that same thing, completely unfettered, in the open air and realized, feels like a cruel trick because it is too much of something good. He does venture nearer, just shy of reaching for him.

I would like to introduce myself properly.

It draws his focus, gives him something definite to expect, and he feels a little less at the mercy of the wind.

"Please, do."