Gilmore felt the words pierce straight through to his heart, like any dagger or arrow that someone might wield. The walls he'd so struggled to build were obviously useless, and it was frustrating.

This time, though, he was ready, and his smile was perfectly in place, if still a little exhausted. "Now now, Vax'ildan, haven't you learned anything from me?" He leaned in, like he was telling Vax a secret. "Presentation is everything."