Alister's gaze remained with her, ever observing and watching the girl underneath her. The only affection he had been able to find for decades with his weakened form, day by day struggling with his own sanity. Yet, Alister had found himself relaxed and entirely worry-free for this moment and the previous as he was within the woman's warm and kind embrace. He was able to feel her touch, even caressing her as he breathed out lightly in their closeness.

He couldn't help but smirk lightly, slowly resting his cheek against her open and soft palm as she spoke. "Hmm... Perhaps, I'm not even sure how long I would've lasted beyond that day, had it not been for you either. But as you said... I was taken in by you." He uttered gently, slowly resting his head gently against her neck, slipping his fingers and hands around her as he slowly rested himself entirely against her.

"Mm... It's a long story, Aria. There might be things you dislike about it, but by all means.. ask me anything."