[Another sip of his own wine and he looked back to Essek, meeting that gaze with his own. That meant that it would be impossible for Essek to miss the way blue eyes snapped wide as the drow spoke.]

If there is some bit of goodness in me, it is because of them that it is still alive.

[He could have lost himself too easily in his terror and anger and need for revenge, could have let it consume anything that was left of his soul. Instead he'd fallen in with that group of utter misfits and found the new family he knew he did not deserve but that he loved dearly, would give his life for.]

You should have better standards for your examples but... I will try to live up to that expectation. I am trying to be a better man. And I do not want to let you down.

[His fingertips trailed up along the inside of Essek's wrist, a soft but meaningful touch.]