[It takes him a moment to close the book and look up at her, having not heard or spoken with her in nearly a year.]
... We both know yours is a presence I most dearly miss.
[And did he ever miss her... Smiles and looks her over, folding his arms over his knees] I see you've not yet been home since my own departure. And no longer... affected by the whims of this world. [His face pinches saying that, but his anger isn't directed at her.]