"Him," he reaffirms. "He...he was inexperienced. I do not think I was ever...he was ever in any danger...but he was a bit blinded, by her power."

Skellig is grateful for the physical contact of her face in his neck, and reaches up to stroke her hair. After a moment of relaxing, he speaks again.

"I know that if I ever wanted to leave, you would let me," he says softly. "Not without great protest and heartbreak," he adds quickly. "But you would not bind me if I did not wish to stay."

He leans back slightly, looks at her and lifts her chin. "Not that I will ever leave, because you are my soulmate, my stars upon the sky," he whispers softly. "And I want to stay with you, completely of my own desires."