[ His ears flick. Watch it, buddy! They're sensitive! ]

Your perspective is healthier than my own. I believe you know why I carry those feelings with me, so I need not explain, however... ridding myself of them will be difficult.

[ A century of waiting and preparing and leading. He won't be doing that now, not at all, but still. The thought of it all weighs heavy nevertheless. ]

Perhaps you can soften that, too. As much as I despise asking you to carry my own baggage.