[ Trahearne studies him silently for a moment. He'd determined exactly what Songerein was and what he wanted to do with it months ago, long before Chalcedony arrived. He doesn't need to be reminded twice.

One thought does occur to him, though, and he frowns. ]

Don't forget to care for yourself. The burden you insist on carrying for others will only see you break. And that has terrible consequences in a realm such as this.

[ He has seen two of his good friends go noctaere thus far, and he will not stand to see it happen again. ]