( wriothesley is not incorrect; there is nothing to be gained from viewing only the downsides of any situation. what is it they say, to view the glass not as half-empty but rather as half-full?

but unlike wriothesley, he is not spontaneous nor does he quickly adapt to change. he has maintained the same schedule day in and day out for the last four hundred years, and very rarely taken time off to attend to his personal needs. then there is the fact that he is not human, despite the form he has been given. would he even find the same acts and gestures as others enjoyable?

there is much to think about, but so little time with which to think. and to think he had once believed time to be the one thing he would always have an excess of.

the tea is cooling between his hands, but still he does not drink. )

Would that it could be so easy. ( said softly, almost to himself. to be selfish. to seek nothing more than simple enjoyment. ) But I will take your suggestions into consideration. And I am glad to hear both you and Clorinde have been afforded some measure of freedom in this place.

( if nothing else, that puts him somewhat at ease. )

But please, eat. ( with a gesture towards the various dishes laid out. ) Sigewinne would never let me hear the end of it if she knew I was keeping you from your meals.