"And what of doubt? How can you be so certain?"
"And, sometimes self preservation manifests itself. We fear what our eyes cannot see but our hearts feel. Much like the doubt in your mind that you've ignored for so long that you've driven it to sleep yet somehow keeps you awake at night. If you give in, once, everything you aspire to be in this world would surely cease to exist. Yet, one who accepts who they truly are would never walk carelessly in the ice with nothing to protect his feet. So too, would I never stray away from my beliefs. For they are his, and, mine alone."
The brass began to warm in his hand.