Of course. I can imagine that there are any number of people who find themselves envious of their vast net of connections. [ But he knows full well that forming connections is not only a vital task but a skill that can be learned if one puts in the time to do so. And he also knows that this topic of conversation is most likely not very high up on the list of ones Alkaid wishes to have, but it is providing him with a reprieve from having to dwell on his worries and regrets that are churning close below the surface.

In all honesty, any delay at all is welcome, because he wishes to delay the moment when he has to face what he considers his failure to lead and direct. It all went wrong beginning with the barmaid, Emmanellain's blunder, and of course, the ill-fated peace conference. Some have even whispered in the streets that the grand melee was a pointless and ultimately foolish gesture. As a rule, he does his best to not pay too much heed to the chatter he hears while traveling between places, but of late, he has had a harder time than usual following his own directive.

Scheming patricide, too quick to make risky decisions, and other doubts cast at his ability to lead are just some of the things he has heard over recent days. He can hardly refute them either, because like all things, there seems to be a grain of truth in each one, save for perhaps the first.

She would not leave him to struggle with his own doubts and reprisals, as she has already said, but he would not expect her to remain with him either. Simply put, he is not fit for company any more than sleep seems fit for him. And, well, although he can imagine why she would refuse to let him suffer alone, the part of him that is judging himself most harshly has already decided that, at least for the moment, that is a fitting punishment.

Still, her presence remains a comfort, as does the feeling of her hand resting against his face. He has grown to love her as well, although he still believes there are other more fitting candidates who would all jump at the chance for even a second of her attention. In fact, he would confess his true feelings for her if not for the doubt that is rearing its ugly head once more.

As to formulating a plan, he both welcomes her advice and wishes to decline it, if only because he knows she has enough on her plate without him adding to it. ]

I would not place yet another burden on your shoulders. It seems that is all any of us who are in positions of power do. [ He is aware that desperate times call for desperate measures, and yet it seems to him that they send the Warriors of Light anywhere and everywhere, scarcely giving them a moment to rest. ]

Discerning the next steps and putting them into motion is my primary concern, and one way or another, I will see it accomplished. [ As much as his thoughts are in disarray at the moment, he has already begun laying out the preliminary pieces of a plan: a desperate plan, but a plan nonetheless. And lest she or anyone else worry, it is a more decisive gesture than holding a peace conference.

But it seems that turning those pieces of a plan into a cohesive whole will have to wait. She is already laying out her plan for her next steps, and he presently lacks the will to counter them. ]

Very well, I will lead you to my residence. [ And at any other time, he would have been completely elated by the prospect, but those particular feelings have been tempered by regret and exhaustion, regardless of what he claims about being unable to rest. ] It is not very far at all from here.