Jesper lays his head on top of Wilhelm's. He didn't mean to bring the conversation down, he likes to be light and cheerful for Wilhelm whenever possible, but sometimes this is how life is. And they've come to a point in their relationship where it's better to let Wilhelm know who he is, not just the smiling rogue.

"I've never been free, pigeon. Not anywhere I've been." Jesper's always been wanted for his abilities, he's always been under threat of being a tool more than a person. It's why he's been paranoid from the start here. But at the same time, he doesn't wish he was born anyone other than himself. His powers were a curse but they were his.

As for getting them out of Thorne, well, his intention is that he can protect Mat and Wilhelm better when they're with him. But frankly, Jesper's intention has been from the beginning to find a way to get them all out of the territories they're stuck in. He's been eying every new culture they're allowed into, wondering if there is ever a chance for refuge status. There's no promise they're magically better, but they didn't start the kidnapping. He'd put his luck in with them. But he'd need his lovers to be with him before the escape, at least they'd be together.

"I'll probably do it. Armor isn't the worst option." It's not as if Jesper cares deeply about the troops, but that's a small ask. "Until they make me create weapons, I can live with it."