He nods, and looks to Susan. "The tree-sisters' garden," he says, knowing she'll balk at the very thought. Hadn't she apologized over and over again the morning before?

"Consider it, please," he continues, before she can start arguing against it. "We'll not go without permission. I thought to – Cuthbert and I can ride out this morning to speak with them. I think – I think they'd want to help, Su."

He keeps his glance, steady and intent, on her. "Human emotions may be a little strange and unknowable to them, but I believe the garden is a place of refuge, for any who need it."