Glacius' sentiment strikes Carlisle so strongly that the clergyman can't help but be taken aback; his eyes widen, mouth agape. He knows how important escape is for Glacius, how much he values it over nearly everything else. Getting back to his people and his mission has almost always been at the forefront of his mind, weighing on his thoughts, pressing guilt that he is not there now into him. He has struggled with the idea of other Glaciuses in other worlds, wondered if they were as noble than him, if they were more successful in their endeavors.

But perhaps no other Glaciuses in any other world have a Carlisle for companionship. This might be the only world and time the two of them find one another as they are, as much as the idealistic scrap of Carlisle's imagination would like to hope otherwise.

Carlisle's mouth stretches wide, one corner turning up, teeth bared in a somber, uneven smile as he does his best to hold back the emotions welling within him. Glacius can no doubt feel them through the Mote: gratitude, remorse... but ultimately, he's relieved, glad to hear his partner say that. He has always wondered what the icy warrior would choose if given the opportunity -- his dying lover or his permanent freedom. It wouldn't be a decision made easily, given how close to both his hearts are, but... the selfish part of Carlisle had hoped...

He presses a palm against his eye as it brims with tears and ink. "I would remain in this world forever if it meant being with you. I would forsake the cycle, my lineage, and everyone in this damnable place if it meant I would be at your side."

Carlisle reaches for Glacius' scar, grazing against it with his fingers. "Perhaps that is miserly, but... you are everything to me."