[the way Olivine looks away says that the answer is, more or less, definitely a yes... and that it's probably not right. honestly, if he himself were just a little bit less devoted to his role, it would probably be easier.

there are other priests, after all, who receive warm commentary from the townsfolk—but it's nothing like their apparent reverence for Olivine.]

I have space and time for meals and sleep and the like, of course. We're still human, after all.

[Basch explains, gives his answer, and for a moment, Olivine is torn by it. his normally warm demeanour seems more listless, tired. with everything that's happened it's probably natural, but it doesn't help the way he tenses when the blond speaks that.

of course, he'd known that, too. Basch has survived this long, in whatever places he's been, will be. and of course it would be better if he just... kept going, right? because, like he says, it would be a risk. his smile is a little thinner than he'd like, but he manages it.]

Ah... of course. If you think it would be a risk, I wouldn't want you to regret it.

[honestly, if he knew how much it was affecting Basch, he might be a little less agreeable about it. for now, he can only assume that this is just how Basch feels on the matter. they're both idiots.]