[Now there's the smallest ghost of a smile on Richard's face. He's heard words like that before, not long ago at all, from someone else dear to him. If two people are saying the same thing, then maybe, just maybe...

It's still a daunting thing to consider, though, and he isn't sure he's ready for it just yet.]

If I didn't know better, I'd say you were conspiring with Asbel in secret. The two of you sound far too much alike for it to be mere coincidence.