[He shakes his head, the movement slow but decisive.]
Whether or not I can, it matters not. I shall not be a coward any longer.
[For her sake, he does not say that he fears not his coming death, yet the essence of this truth hangs heavy about the words he does say, as telltale smoke lingers about a fire.]
Come now, let us enjoy together this meal you have prepared. Who is not happier with a full belly?
[So speaking, he reaches for the platter of meat and selects for himelf a fine cut. Not long ago there was a time when he could hardly bear to let food past his lips, when he took no joy in eating or in any of the ordinary pursuits of men. He does not forget this time in which he felt as if enfolded in shadows, but it is behind him, and ahead of him lies the promised reunion with his faithful companion: so he has reminded himself every day since he bore Patroclus unto his pyre, and he and Sieglinde sifted through the ashes to extract from them the precious bones of Menoetius' son.]
no subject
Whether or not I can, it matters not. I shall not be a coward any longer.
[For her sake, he does not say that he fears not his coming death, yet the essence of this truth hangs heavy about the words he does say, as telltale smoke lingers about a fire.]
Come now, let us enjoy together this meal you have prepared. Who is not happier with a full belly?
[So speaking, he reaches for the platter of meat and selects for himelf a fine cut. Not long ago there was a time when he could hardly bear to let food past his lips, when he took no joy in eating or in any of the ordinary pursuits of men. He does not forget this time in which he felt as if enfolded in shadows, but it is behind him, and ahead of him lies the promised reunion with his faithful companion: so he has reminded himself every day since he bore Patroclus unto his pyre, and he and Sieglinde sifted through the ashes to extract from them the precious bones of Menoetius' son.]