Never is an exaggeration, but certainly he has lived like a monk since he took up the mantle of black and started his present career. It is long enough, now, to feel like never. The indiscretions of youth feel like a lifetime ago.

"Mm. I'm not sure I want you giving me a massage while you're angry at me. That sounds hazardous to my health." He coughs, pulling himself to sit up properly and set the dregs of his tea aside. "And I do apologize. Obviously my rein on my temper has been slipping, lately. I'll have to work harder to control that..." Every word rings with honest repentance.