It's a sign of our faith. Through our wounds, we take on the strength and knowledge of something far powerful than we are. We're vessels, so to speak. Not to say we're prophets of any kind, but we have a connection to the Mother Tree through our rites that we try to impart to others in whatever ways we can. And when people believe, they can overcome even the worst of wounds, just like we do.

[He knows Kanda will just shrug it off, or make some snarky comment. He knows most people can't understand the Scarback faith, why they do what they do. That's fine. Some people are willing to remain in the cave instead of searching out the light.]

You'll understand, in time. [Steinbeck says, pausing a moment to collect himself, wipe the sweat glistening on his brow.] It's not something people realize right away.