"I don't know. I gave up trying to understand how you think long ago."

As Azem. As the Warrior of Light. He had been content with being a begrudging friend, ally, and protector. He's afraid now to disturb that delicate balance.

"I..." He bites off the sentence before it can eventuate. Although dinner has gone a way to ease the pain of Azem's departure, he feels guilty for even considering the idea of lying together with Rhea'li. Like he's using the miqo'te as a source of comfort in lieu of the one he truly wants.

"If you understand that I can't give myself wholly to you at the moment," he forces out. "Not yet. 'Tis still too raw."