[It is a conclusion Themis had needed to make on his own. Had done so, during those last events of Pandaemonium, spurred on though he was by Athena's meddling. But he meant what he had said to their friend, their Hero - he was not burdened by regrets. How could he? When their goal had been realized. In a way that was not, perhaps, their original aim.

Hythlodaeus was correct. And so was Emet-Selch.]

Exactly, my dearest Emet-Selch. No matter the choices of others in differing realities, of experiences that blended the line between us and another, we are yet ourselves. Changed, yes. But change is not a thing to necessarily fear.

[He smiles, warm and bright. The air around him seems lighter, somehow, despite the sharing of burdens. As if a weight has lifted off. Arms pulling back, he takes his coffee with both hands and takes a long sip of the still-warm drink. The warmth that he feels within has nothing to do with the beverage he's drinking.

It's written all over his face. In his eyes.]

Thank you, both of you, for allowing me to be here and speak with you. To accept what I may give. It is all too tempting to withdraw and deal with one's troubles alone, to not burden others with the weight of what you have endured. A singular failing, I admit, that I myself am not immune to.

[A shrug is given at the admission. Themis has been better lately at it, but he will recognize his own faults.]

It is my hope that your troubles have been eased, if only by the smallest of fractions.