[ It is that unhesitating, graceful intervention which brings home, more than just seeing him had, that Csevet is here now. That Maia isn't alone any more, to stumble through his words, make fumbling explanations of who he is and what he is and why he acts the way he does. He had succeeded better than he would have expected, to adapt to this place. But he can't deny, even in his own thoughts, that he had longed for Csevet unceasingly the entire time.
So, when Csevet glances back up with those lovely eyes of his - eyes Maia hadn't even realized had become a part of every day of his life - Maia is staring at him with a soft, fond smile. He realizes Csevet is checking with him, and Maia gives a tiny, wordless gesture of approval. The two of them had gotten good, after all this time, at interpreting one another, even without words. As soon as the waiter leaves, propriety be damned, Maia says fervently: ]
We cannot tell you how much we missed you, Csevet.
[ Not just for the help he provides, but just for... him. His familiar face, his familiar voice. His confidence and capability and grace.
But there is something, Maia realizes, that he should say. Before he makes assumptions, allows Csevet to fall back into the old well-worn pattern of service. That bright-eyed fondness ebbs, gives way in his face to uncertainty and a touch of shame. He ought to have lead with this, rather than get distracted telling tales like some eager child. Maia pulls his hands into his lap, folding them and keeping them still - not realizing, of course, that it is as clear a signal of his nervousness as it would be if he allowed himself to wring them. ]
Csevet, we must speak plainly. We are not the emperor, in this place. There is no emperor here. People regard one another all as equals, and we must- we should respect the customs of this land. What is more.... we wish to. So please, do not- do not behave to us as if we are Edrehasivar the seventh. You must try to imagine us as we were when you first met us. And-
[ He has been stalling, but cannot keep it up any longer. With a large breath, Maia forces out the rest: ]
If- if you should choose... if you would wish your time here to be a respite from us, of course, you do not- we would not reproach it. We absolve you of any... obligation you may feel.
no subject
So, when Csevet glances back up with those lovely eyes of his - eyes Maia hadn't even realized had become a part of every day of his life - Maia is staring at him with a soft, fond smile. He realizes Csevet is checking with him, and Maia gives a tiny, wordless gesture of approval. The two of them had gotten good, after all this time, at interpreting one another, even without words. As soon as the waiter leaves, propriety be damned, Maia says fervently: ]
We cannot tell you how much we missed you, Csevet.
[ Not just for the help he provides, but just for... him. His familiar face, his familiar voice. His confidence and capability and grace.
But there is something, Maia realizes, that he should say. Before he makes assumptions, allows Csevet to fall back into the old well-worn pattern of service. That bright-eyed fondness ebbs, gives way in his face to uncertainty and a touch of shame. He ought to have lead with this, rather than get distracted telling tales like some eager child. Maia pulls his hands into his lap, folding them and keeping them still - not realizing, of course, that it is as clear a signal of his nervousness as it would be if he allowed himself to wring them. ]
Csevet, we must speak plainly. We are not the emperor, in this place. There is no emperor here. People regard one another all as equals, and we must- we should respect the customs of this land. What is more.... we wish to. So please, do not- do not behave to us as if we are Edrehasivar the seventh. You must try to imagine us as we were when you first met us. And-
[ He has been stalling, but cannot keep it up any longer. With a large breath, Maia forces out the rest: ]
If- if you should choose... if you would wish your time here to be a respite from us, of course, you do not- we would not reproach it. We absolve you of any... obligation you may feel.