I have a rather awful track record at keeping them alive so far.

[This is said, bitter and tear-damp, to the backs of his knees. But Eric does uncurl then, and leans his head back against the wall.]

He does have something of an honor guard, now. But I can't shake the things that happened at the first trial out of my head, I want her to be safe. If it means sending her from here without me, if she has to forget she ever met me or some stupid fairytale thing like that... so long as she lives a long life as vibrant as she is, I'll be happy.