"He was abandoned. For lack of the thing," she says. "He could have had a life with her that loved him best an' instead became what he was. Let anger lock him heart away instead of love."

She takes a moment to look at the man before her, and her face softens at the pride and the faith there. It's a long and fond look, and then she turns away, lays a firm hand on the chest he'd brought.

"He was not so different from you, once, before him was poisoned and cursed of his own will. Remember that, Captain; an' after ten years maybe ye'll find happiness wit' your love.

I hope it may be so."