Oh, so you're starting to see the value in the wisdom we Ascians carry? [Not quite as idle or casual a tone as he usually makes it, but it's a valiant attempt.] Well, should you ever care to hear further uncomfortable or unwanted truths... what else am I here for?

[There may be the barest hint of bitterness there- but it's faint. And at the link of her arm, he tightens the hold on it with his own, unsure at this point of which way the reassurance was directed....]

If only deciding to do something was as straightforward as doing so. And despite your stubbornness, [You always were, he does not say.] will you manage to defeat yourself, in the end...? I suppose you'll find out.