[Unsurprising, really. He hardly expected the Exarch to give him any more information than absolutely necessary, if even that much; after all, that was how their interactions had customarily fared. And he agreed that he was a capable man, but the condescension itched under his skin.]

I see your idea of truces are different – or at least, less helpful - than my own.

[But the aid and patronizing was almost immediately forgotten at the mention of time. Two years. The Exarch had been here two years, but he was- how was that possible? They were at the climatic fight? He had been about to win.

Was the Exarch lying? Or-]

Time moves differently then? Or….is it something else?

[Something to do with those other connections, perhaps? He had started to come across those that made little sense, but this place was…not A Source, but a hub, he thought. Some central spot. That didn’t help with the explanation, but he was starting to piece some things together. Albeit with many frustrating gaps between.

But then he heard that comment - his wife - and Emet-Selch raised one eyebrow. That was dangerous information to give up, a weakness that begged for exploitation. But the tone of his pride made Emet-Selch think that this Exarch believed he was telling because he knew he could protect this special person. Or perhaps, she was able to protect herself.

Maybe he simply said it because he didn’t view Emet-Selch as a threat. Hm.]

Well, such a happy occasion. I apologize for not being able to attend the Ceremony of Eternal Bonding, but I was attending to my own matters back home. Perhaps you can send me the registry.