[There's a moment where something a little less fond, a little more piercing comes to his gaze in a tension around his eyes—but then it's gone again, washed under the affection of the conversation.

He experienced a moment, there in a dream, where he thinks he saw—felt Richard's true nature. The man is definitely an intriguing sort, strong-willed and resourceful, but with that remark about being a subject, Altius can only think that he might consider Charles a resource.

Hm.]

That's an interesting mindset, [he says, a bit more brightly than he feels internally,] but he does seem to have a strong sense of responsibility, doesn't he? Although—you could say that applies to Scott, as well.

[Leader types, the both of them... in vastly different senses.]

I think we're better off for the both of them.