“It doesn’t matter!” Lan snapped. It was quite unusual to see the stoic and levelheaded man snap. But he was tired of being pushed away, tired of the ‘woe is me’ act. He didn't get how they couldn't understand how he felt.

They had been cut off from the One Power. And now, they seemed to think he should abandon them. Was this not his job? To protect them when they were powerless? What was he meant to do, if they threw him away the moment they actually needed him?

He took a moment to compose himself, drawing a hand over his mouth. Lowering his tone respectfully, he continued; “It doesn’t matter. I’m your warder. I took an oath. Cut off or not, I’m going to protect you.”