Even before knowing all of this - her powers and the challenges that she had with them - he had thought she had so much strength for trying to stay there and help as long as she did. That River's empathy and feeling everything she felt hadn't been intentional sparks admiration. But it also sparks a deep sorrow that she has to feel all of it so deeply that she can't find peace at the same time.

She was smart. He knows even without being in the lessons that she'd learn quickly. He just hoped that it was soon so that she could take her power into her own hands.

"I think it'd be better to say that we're "partners in crime," he offers with a nearly bemused air to his voice. "We're equal." He would never think for a moment that he was in a place to guide another in that way. Not in the way that Yennefer and Istredd were to River. He would do as he always did: watching from the shadows, keeping an eye on things in whatever way he could. All the same, it's his part of their silent agreement. And for the first time since arriving here, there's comfort in that.

With the screw sufficiently cleaned he begins to tighten it back into the bike frame. It doesn't take long and when he's done he straightens up, motioning for Istredd to climb back on. "Ready to try again?"