“I find myself thinking a great deal about that, particularly in light of…”

It is difficult to face down the decision she’s made in Marcus’s absence; not knowing but only hoping for when they’ll see him again, that confiding in him will be by letter and carefully written letters, at that. The difficult feeling that her inability to leave is what ties Julius here, even knowing that he is more than capable of deciding what he feels is right and necessary. Even knowing that, right now, it still feels right and necessary to remain here, the state of her anchor-shard notwithstanding.

Finally, shaking something off: “It’s gratifying to know that my work is valued,” she says, firmly sincere. “I understand it can be difficult to see the accomplishments of it, often.”