[ The challenge is daunting. Part of him quails in a way that he'd never had to face back on Earth. It's one thing to love Gregor there and loudly proclaim that he'll go to hell before he lets Barrayar keep the two of them apart. It's quite another to be here on Barrayar, with his only physical proof having been woven into his life years ago. The powers are ... their own thing now. Their own influence on their lives.

Is he sure? Really, really sure? This is a change that could easily end up with him dead. Hell, it's a change that could easily cost him the Dendarii. And perhaps most importantly, it's a change that will almost certainly keep him on Barrayar much more frequently. There are good reasons for him to spend time off planet, not the least of which being their mutual headaches. But ... maybe there are ways past those things too. Maybe he can have Naismith and still be Gregor's.

He keeps having to swallow. Sooner or later he's going to need wine or something lest he dry out completely. ]

I'm sure. [ The words come out in a rush. ] I don't know how we're going to deal with all of it. Not right now. But dammit, I want to try. [ Smaller, softer. ] Is that enough?