[Even after suffering a second brutal death, he is healthy and whole upon his return the the capitol - his missing ear replaced, the wound in his shoulder gone. He remembers dying, of course, remembers each wound, but they are gone now. It is a magic he neither understands nor questions.

Determined, however, to show Lucilla no sign of weakness on his part, his broad shoulders are held squarely, his gaze unwavering.]

As well as any man, in this place. The games are endless, for who needs to spare mercy for men who return from the dead? [His eyes grow dark, he thinks of Javert, who he killed but has not returned to the capitol.] Most of the time.

[But his face softens as he changes the subject.] And your son? Lucius is well?