The priest laughs at that, "I see, I see!"

But he gentles again for that last bit, nodding, lifting his hand off Dev's shoulder to brush the backs of his fingers against one rough cheek.

"...If the sutra's deployed, the fight's probably very much over," he admits, "but I'd rather not frighten you, even so. Or if I ever have to use it to heal... anyone around you."

Or even Devero himself.