[ That's the dream, isn't it? It's so early and yet, Balthier thinks -- hopes -- with the right care, it could grow there. Maybe that's foolish. He's been cast away when in love before. But no one else has asked to lay claim quite like this. No one else has been brilliant and sweet and thoughtful and kind. Maybe David is wiser, to be wary of a disappearance that isn't either of their choice. But maybe Balthier is wiser, to try to hold off the expectations of past disappointments.

He rubs the leg that is touching his. ]

I'm afraid I can't do anything about you finding me unbelievably attractive. It's just who I am.

I suppose I'll probably have similar schedule restrictions -- who knows, the guild is inconsistent in some of it's practices and I'm certainly not culturally primed for them. David I cannot tell you how unappealing looking at apartments that aren't rooms on ships is to me.

But so long as we're both here, it should be easy enough to see one another. If nothing else, I, Balthier, technical prodigy, know how to use a cell phone now. And I know how to deliver letters. I'm a real sage for the ages.