[ The Condesce herself? She had known him to be a powerful psychic, but hadn't expected he'd receive such attention. Perhaps it was partly to make an example of them, to show what becomes of those who rise up in resistance to her. ]

Perhaps it is preferable that you remain so ignorant. You bear too much of a burden already, I wouldn't seek to compound it. [ And she cranes her neck to kiss his forehead, as though she wished it could heal what injury he'd suffered. ]