As if to demonstrate that very thing, Zerxus actually closes his eyes for a moment. He does have his mount right next to him with eyes wide open, but it says something that he's comfortable enough to do it.

Then, finally, he starts writing in earnest. I love you, and I'm sorry. This is the longest I'm going to be away.

He explains more to Elias than either of the others why he's staying; he thinks the people here really need someone like him, and he doubts there will be another opportunity. He wants to learn everything he can about the Prince of Hell, who still cares so fiercely for a mortal city.

He tells him to let their family and community protect him, even though Zerxus knows how brave he is and how strong he's becoming; he tells him to take care of Tempus, to keep up his lessons, to be a good example for the younger ones. In letters like this, he always adds a new spell to learn or sword form to practice, or snippets of stories or songs or poems they'd never heard. This time he does all three.

After he signs his name and begins to fold the letter, "I'd like to make an adjustment to this deal."

Oh, this should be interesting.