*again, wonders whether such a place as Rivendell still exists in this world* *surely there would be rest and help for Jackie there, if anywhere?*
*hesitates before continuing; he knows very well how Jackie feels about you, of course, but he has no idea how you might feel in return (when you've sent your Erestor on enforced leave) (when that leave seems entirely warranted) (when Jackie's been so... discontented, lately)*
*more softly* It's just, I asked him the same thing. And a couple of times since. "How do you do it without going crazy?" *rests his chin on his knuckles* *simply* He loves (you) it. All of (you) it. He might love to visit back home, but he lives for this place. Or he used to, anyway. Boring paperwork and all.