( A nod of his head -- if there is one person here can spar against without concern for their well-being, without reservations, it is Phainon. He remembers the Deliverer asking him for lessons, and Mydeimos' curt dismissal of his potential. Yet now he knows that his first judgement was in error; there are things that the carefree man hides behind his smile. The drive that burns in his heart that propelled him towards the Coreflame of Strife has made him his equal. Worthy of Mydei's trust, the secret of the curse of immortality. That does not change simply because they are somewhere else.

Confusion creeps over Mydei's face as Phainon continues, though he keeps pace with the other man when he starts to move -- closer, perhaps, than he has in the past, chasing that lingering feeling in his chest. )

Elsewhere-- ( He muses, casting a look at the other man. ) I see. I will not let the Tide break through, even should Okhema be filled to the brim with demigo-- ( He stops, both in his tracks and with his words before it catches up with him, and he takes several large steps to return to Phainon's side once more. ) He has returned? How? When?

( And he is here, far away from the front lines where he should be. )