[A light smile as lightly brushes his lips against hers.]

Well, when you have a sizeable bounty on your head and trying to change an entire social system...

[A more wry grin as he continues that light touch.]

It was more freeing to be able to move as I wanted, but that didn't mean I didn't have other worries and other things on my mind. And even here, while I don't have to worry about any of that...

[He pulls back now a little more so she can see him more fully, and him her.]

This is the first time in a very long time since I felt more at peace.

[A soft smile.]

Happy.

[Of course he had his genuine moments of joy with others, especially when around his daughter, Mid. How could he not? She made it easy for him to smile and forget his worries. But that's also why he feels the same towards Benedikta—because she has such a special, important place in his heart.

Like with other people, there is always those special people that tug them in different ways than others might. It's a different kind of happiness, a different sense of peace. One that only very few can give him, and Benedikta is one of them.]