"The gardeners will understand." Thus identifying himself as not one of them. But he doesn't see a reason to pretend. He never does.

He hadn't expected her to notice him, but the surprise is not an unwelcome one. She feels strong, sure, steady: a silken knot. And there's a gentle chime of magic that accompanies her, dancing over her palm.

"They see the use. When a thing does good, the fright starts to lose its face."