A week ago? Though I think you overestimate how often it was happening. [He looks sideways again at Trahearne.] But it was always only out of necessity, not because he enjoys it. And now he doesn't really need it.

[That had merely been a bonus to Syrlya, but always unimportant in the face of helping a friend he cares greatly about.

But it also was the source of too much heartache.]