The more Anders rants, the more things are brought into perspective. Nathaniel grew up thinking communication among family was redundant, that good family always knew without asking, and now Anders is his family. The longer it goes, the more his head bows, his brow furrows, he sinks back onto the bed. When Anders is quiet, he turns to pull him into his arms and kiss his face. They should have communicated more.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But Maker, Anders, what you have already accomplished. Your footsteps shook the earth when I first met you. You saved the world from the Mother, you freed the mages, you saved so many countless lives in the most forsaken place I can think of, you delivered their children and had no thought of gain. It almost seems greedy of you to ask to be more. I thought it was Justice driving you, but it was always you. And I married that, so I love it. All right? You're the whole world to me."