I don't believe he fails to value the person you are now, nor does he fail to comprehend you care for him in a multitude of ways. He simply doesn't recognize you're attracted to him romantically.

( Maybe we should just cancel love all together, really. This is all nonsense. )

... He believes sincerely in that future with you. But you have changed and lived a rich life without him. It is difficult to envision a future with a dead man, yes? And it is difficult for the person left behind to envision there is any space for them when your life is so full without them.

( He taps the arm of the chair. If Adelis had described a seven years without Mishka with such richness and adventure, and Mishka were in love with him...

He doesn't know what he'd do. Kill him, maybe, and see that they both remain dead. )

( Well, if anything, Mishka did need to hear that for Adelis, because he was projecting a little. Still, he won't comment on it. )

... Perhaps this would not be ruin, but closure, for him. He did not have the opportunity to pursue it at home for reasons you've well outlined, and now he has the chance.

Unless it would be too difficult on you, if you began anything here, knowing there is a chance he may return to death in time.

( Absolutely. He meets the expression with half a grin. )

I don't know if that's possible. I think about half your personality could change tomorrow and he'd still fold it into all the things he likes about you.

( But... )

... I imagine you'd prefer a more grounded approach to your person?

( He lets Syrlya have his moment, and he does not regard it with judgment. It's not a sentiment he doesn't understand, in some smaller way; the idea that he failed Adelis, failed to save him, weighs on him.

He can't imagine what it must be like for someone who cared about a great many more people, and took a great amount of responsibility for some greater number of duties. Even worse if you're loathe to disappoint another. It all sounds exhausting.

He considers this. )

... Still, you are your failures as much as your successes. Certainly, his view of you is rosy; and, certainly, he may be disappointed if he acknowledges your missteps.

( Trahearne's love is heavy, and maybe too blinding. He does wonder if Trahearne can look Syrlya level and recognize his failures, and find them endearing all the same. It would require recognizing Syrlya has failed, though, which seems particularly challenging. )

But if he cares for you as nobly as he claims, he ought gladly consume these parts of you, too. You can only ever be yourself, and that is whom he should love.

( It is, of course, putting it to the test that's the nerve-wracking part. )

( Don't we all!

At that, he laughs lightly. )

Our closeness is somewhat dishonest. I had been privy to the end of his life in some strange shared dream, and the rest of it came out when we were a dozen shots in at the town hall. I enjoy his company, but I would not particularly envy its inorganic bloom.

( In other words, it's not really a mark against Syrlya that Trahearne tells Mishka more than he does Syrlya. That sure was a weird series of events. )

Honestly, it startled me to know he doesn't speak to you of his heart. ( Says MAN WHO WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ADELIS ) But I'll see that I twist his arm a little bit.

Rest assured, I'll stay silent on that matter. It simply seems he ought be the one to take the initiative, between the two of you.

( Since Trahearne is the one who wants the nature of their relationship to change, and Syrlya is content regardless. )

All the same, I hope that our relationship can remain cordial.

( He laughs. )

Both? I do like the two of you. Though, I'll confess Trahearne has a particular charm about him.

( He says this half-jokingly. Fool that Mishka is, oblivious to himself... )