You would not know me. I would not be here. But I am here with you.

[Ever present as always, smelling like tomes and incense; that much, at least, is still the same.

His gaze lingers on Chishiya's before he steps closer, close enough that the space between them becomes a choice rather than just distance. His voice is lower than before, stripped of its edge.]

I am sorry. Truly. Not for being hurt, but for making that hurt your burden. What can I do to make this right?