He nods seriously. "And this Gaav both can protect, and will protect?"
"I see not how his love or loathing affects your doings, Xeru mio. How dangerous?"
He wants to take Xellos down into the cellar and take him up on the offer this instant, but he restrains himself. It takes a firm restraint indeed. "Caro," he says, infinitely tender, "I thank you for it. Many times over. But you have granted me the honor and the privilege of holding a little of your heart and I must care for it, for it is a treasure greater than I have ever possessed. So I ask you: Why do you give assent now?"