It is. I've found over time it's the...flaw...in being given a purpose. It can also be taken away. It feels rather like sailing without compass, sextant, or rudder.

[He notes with silent satisfaction the improvement in his strategy. He imagines all of this weighed on him terribly. It would were roles reversed.]

If I'm going to hold something against you to that degree, I'd prefer it to be something you had full control over. Maker knows, I...did things I am not at all happy with or proud of in the past few weeks.

[He quirks a wry smile.]

I suppose in a way I'm flattered then.

[The smile is short-lived. He's back to thoughtfulness and buying himself time to shape his words while making his next move. Course correction for one of his careless mistakes earlier, he hopes.]

I was never a Chantry Brother. No one entrusted me with confessions, or...much for moral guidance. Now that I know a large degree of what you do here, I'm going to make an offer. You can talk to me, if you need to. I may not have the answers, but I do have two perfectly good ears.

LIEs tried to play us false and set us against each other. I don't know about you, but I'd be all too happy to foil their plans. And it will be nice to be able to bounce ideas around with someone who understands. A two way street, to be sure.