[I know. I wasn't hearing you. How many vicious arguments could have been stopped in their tracks over the years if Vandelin had ever known how to say that? Even now, he still doesn't.

But for the moment, they're at their uneasy peace again. He laughs at Myr's self-deprecation in turn, but only because it's meant in jest. And as to the rest--well. That, from his cousin, is a high compliment indeed.]

I'd almost feel bad enough to give him some pointers, if he were anyone else. There aren't a lot of people I'd wish your temper on.

[But he's missed it, in his way, all the same.]