[And yet, Saber could tell it left scars behind that were not as easily seen as the shorn ears. Something like that latches onto the soul and tries to draw it in, scrabbling and clawing for purchase when one pulls away, leaving shreds in its wake.]

There are many well grown that would make the same mistake. But you were not claimed by it. That is something to be proud of, in the midst of your folly, to possess such willpower. A lesser man would have been consumed.

[As Saber spoke, her hand drifted to her jawline, fingers lightly running over the scrawling red lines found there. Yes, she knew very much about those kind of things...]