[It's an odd thing to say out of nowhere to a stranger, and it's the sort of thing Merlin can't just leave be.]

Maybe a little. But it's necessary. Like breathing, yeah?

[He steps closer, glancing about for a good skipping rock of his own.]

The most amazing, wonderful parts of this world come from love. Sometimes terrible things too, sure, but-- [He picks up a smooth, round stone. That should work.] I think it's worth it. I think far worse things come from the absence of love.

[He tosses the stone across the lake, smiling as it hops across the water.]