"If I am to take my mentor's seat and with it the title of Fandaniel, I must be certain that I am fit to serve in such a capacity," he said. "To do aught less would be a disservice to the Convocation, the star, and myself. I must have an answer to the doubts and questions that have long plagued me. If naught else, I must be certain where my own heart lies. I cannot guide others if I myself am lost."

He smiled sadly. "Perhaps it would be. But therein lies my selfishness. I disapprove of of his decision not for reason of logic, nor out of a belief that he is undeserving of his rest. I merely... do not wish him to go. I do not wish to see him walk where I cannot yet follow. And if he must, I do not wish for him to see my own sorrow. If his departure is to be a beautiful thing, as Hythlodaeus described, it should not be marred by my own troubled thoughts. He need not carry the burdens of my own heart with him to the Underworld."

"It is unbecoming... even childish... to allow him to believe a kind lie at such a time merely to spare myself a bit of pain. I know this. And yet..." He closed his eyes with a sigh.