[Ion manages to return that smile, but finds it a little difficult following that "until I was healed" remark. Luke must have been in bad shape for Asch to refrain from sending him back right away, on top of the loss of his hearing. That makes his next remark all the more difficult to write:]

"I don't mean to imply in any way that being kidnapped is a good thing-" [On the contrary: just the idea of it left a bad taste in his mouth.] "-but I am relieved you didn't have to completely experience what happened last week. I pray the next few weeks will be more peaceful."