Alcuin smiled at that. "Hannibal asked me the same question," he said. "He wanted to know what the words meant to me." He tried to remember what he told him, and closed his eyes and leaned against Hani, still touching his arm as he let himself feel it. "When I'm wish him I feel lighter, and happier, and safer. The thought of being without him is painful. And his approval, his happiness, means so much to me... I would do whatever is in my power to make him happy. And when he touches me it sparks as much warmth as desire."