[ Maia feels a brief and unexpected pang of jealousy, when Csevet says the communal room reminds him of his days as a courier. It surprises him, that feeling. Why should he be jealous? Was it because he recognized some nostalgia or fondness in Csevet's tone and face, for the time in his life before the two of them had met? Was it thinking about all the friends Csevet had had at the time - the community of couriers, teaching each other, looking out for each other, living together and knowing one another... all while Maia had been locked up in Edonomee, pent up and alone so often that he became numb to it?

He tries to ignore the feeling, but he cannot resist offering: ]

Would you like us to ask if you might be moved? The people here are remarkably willing to make accommodations, and there are several empty rooms on this floor alone.

[ Perhaps it is selfish of him, now that he has Csevet back, to want him closer. Perhaps he should have said nothing at all. Hastily, Maia adds: ]

Of course, if you do not wish it, we would understand that. Things here need not be as they were in the Alcethmeret.

[ As soon as Csevet delicately brings the conversation back to their words in the elevator, Maia's ears flatten defensively. He doesn't deny it; what would be the point? But he does cross his arms, waiting for Csevet to finish. There's an awkward silence for a few moments, before Maia walks to the chair by the desk and sits in it, looking down at his hands as he considers. ]

You need not- I would not have you make such offers out of obligation, or duty, or pity. It is true that- that our knowledge is limited in this as in so many things. And yet the good of the Ethuveraz does not hang in the balance, as it so often did when you taught us before. You should not- Csevet, I cannot ask guidance of you on this, no matter how badly I may need it. It would be- an unfair imposition.