[ it's still the rosamund he knows—so kind and empathetic that it's a force of nature. he's seen her throwing herself at the execution barrier week by week, even if it never relents.

he laughs at the kiss, sweeping her hair off her shoulder to press his lips back against her cheek with all the fondness in the world. ]

...I'm sorry for leaving, Rosamund. I could never have fought Shouxue, but... [ he's still sorry for how it turned out. he's touched, strangely, at how his absence might affect people—but it leaves him looking apologetic, too. ] You are so dear to me—know that I'm never far! I hope you haven't despaired too much because of us. I know it must be painful.