Oh, it is what makes faith special. I didn't meet him until I had already given up everything. [ Lost everything.

When she asks that next question, he looks... a mix of thoughtful, sad, and slightly amused. ]

He was quiet. He used only as many words as necessary. But he was kind too, and brave. He was happiest when he was alone, surrounded by nature. [ It is the way you might speak of someone you love deeply. Then, something guilty clouds his features. ]

I met him again many years later, and I almost didn't recognize him. He was carrying a great weight on his shoulders, and loss of his own - I think. He was angry and quicker to violence. He was... is, very human.

[ He had been born one, after all. Kahlil turns, pointing to the large statues that flank his temple. ] The one in white is Parfir, he created the world from his own flesh, bone and blood. The one in black is the Rifter, his destroyer aspect. People fear him because of his power, but he's not a demon or devil. He's not inherently evil, it's only his power that is dangerous. His aspect is the one I met, who I was bound to.

[ He turns to her again, features softening. Curious. ]

Did your religion condemn witches? [ Was that part of why she stopped believing? ]