[ It's good, and Trahearne is pleased that they can both be professional, for a lack of a better word, about this. He doesn't need sympathy--there's no affection between them, though Trahearne does care for Adelis (adopted), and to hear such sentiment would surely make it more awkward for both of them.

He listens for a moment, braces himself when he feels the hand at the back of his neck. He knows what's coming, and he won't let it surprise him.

While Adelis might feign one thing or another, Trahearne has never been the sort to do so. His expression twists in slight amusement. ]

Am I not?

[ Trahearne allows the excess momentum to pull him in closer, lips just a breath away. He smiles. ]

I'll have you know my resume is extensive, and uniquely geared towards teaching. [ His tone is strangely earnest, a direct contrast to the way the corner of his lips curl, the way he speaks low. ] I have spent much of my life mentoring presumptuous saplings as the eldest of the firstborn. I've been afforded many an opportunity to speak and impart my knowledge unto others due to my position as Tyria's foremost scholar of Orr and the Risen. And as Pact Marshal, many have flocked to me, looking for guidance in how we may fight the dragons.

[ Suddenly both hands drop, gliding down Adelis's sides. Trahearne quickly stoops to his knees as he, without warning, wraps one arm around Adelis's waist, and the other around the base of his rear. He stands just as quickly, lifting the small Ostoyan man off the floor and into his arms. He cranes his neck up to look at his face, satisfied.

He's a...bit heavier than anticipated, but at least the bed isn't far. ]

Whether you believe I am or not hardly matters. Because I am.

[ Not that he's going to be teaching Adelis anything, specifically. But by the semantics of it, he is absolutely qualified to teach. ]