Just because someone doesn't wear their heart's on a sleeve doesn't mean everything is forgotten when relative normality is restored. A lot of people just pretend they are doing fine because that's far easier. That's the trouble with being here. Friendships made and forged and then they're so quickly taken away, snuffed out on a whim and he's of the conviction that the castle does it on purpose. Is it so different from the regular journey of life, though?

The Doctor nods slowly. "He might come back." Might, might not. Might remember, possibly not. "Not many get the chance to leave much of themselves behind, here. But this, there will be people that remember."

The hour though is late. "It is cold out and you must be tired. Might I escort you to your horse and lead you back to the castle if you are ready to return?"