[ He's never quite been that low, although he may have come close a time or two. He always had the balancing perspective, however, that no matter how much he might hate the situation he'd been born into, it was a far easier fate than many had been blessed with. It felt selfish to bemoan his cage when it was plush and relatively comfortable. It didn't make him hate it less, of course. He's not sure anything could do that, no matter how optimistic he might try to be about it.

He takes a deep breath at her words and then straightens and glances around. Looking anywhere except for that haunting well now marring this section of the Courtyard. ]

You can visit it whenever you like. It's where Claude and Petra and I all grew up together, so all three of us have many, many memories in this place. I can give you a tour, if you like? And I'm pretty sure I still remember all the best gossip - don't tell Claude I told you that.

[ He purposefully drags a crooked grin to his lips, pushing away the lingering dread that still lurks at the edge of his awareness. ]