[When she falls back, his own head turns to look above them as well, as if giving her the privacy. He can listen. It’s what he’s good at.

This makes him think of talking to Shalem, of how poorly it went at the end when he tried to remind Shalem to live what little days were left by going home if it’s possible. He decides to not be so impolite this time.

Some don’t want to return, and that’s their business, that’s fine.

Her description is simply a description about himself. Being alone. Being feared. Being a dark sort of blemish on things. His lips thin, but there isn’t anything he can say against it.]

There are opportunities here to be someone different than you once were at the end.

Will you stay here in this holding place, or will you try to find whatever Ascension of which the Stygians speak?