( Ish had said it, and he's not in the practice of doubting what Ish says (not these days; not anymore), but it seemed too unlikely to be true. But Ish reiterates it, calls it a greed, an indulgence (and how could Hwylryn possibly be more indulgent than Norna, herself? Her return, Ish's dream for near two thousand years?)—

Well, of course he begins to tear up again. He's been moved before, but of all displays of devotion - not even to himself! but to other passions; other things; as had been Melissa's fixation on finding the ocean's end - this is one of the the greatest he had seen.

And the tears fall, but - not for bad reasons. Not at all.

Is it possible to like someone so much? No - perhaps the better question is: is it truly possible for him to be liked so much? )

... I'll teach you... anything you want.

( 🥺🥺🥺🥹🥹🥹 )

... I'll give you everything you want, for the rest of time, so...

( He trails off, eyes closing, content to be held in Ish's hands, content with Ish's bashful face; and for that blissful moment, he feels he is content with nothing more than Ish's devotion.

But.

But.

If they speak of greed, Hwylryn truly is a good teacher.

His eyes open again, half-lidded, hanging from his delicate eyelashes, his silver eyes so watery they're nearly lost in the whites. His heart's sea bleeds outward. )

... I just want to know more about you. The things that I... still don't know.