He's quiet for - a little too long. It would be easy to agree, to reassure. Because of course that makes perfect sense. But really helping Quentin find his way means not letting the easy misconceptions stand.
"I don't think it's shameful. Or, well, maybe a little, but not in a way that matters. I think it's dangerous. It's safer in the long run to endure an accident than to expose a weakness, hand over a weapon that can be used repeatedly, with intent." One careful breath. Two.
"Think is overstating the case. It's something I know in my back teeth, in the pit of my stomach. I trust you as much as I trust anyone in all the worlds, Quentin. I don't think you'd use my no against me. I do want to help you. And unless something goes really catastrophically awry, I'll be able to remember that. But you asked me to be careful. And I thought it might be. Reassuring. To be better briefed what you can rely on, even then."
no subject
"I don't think it's shameful. Or, well, maybe a little, but not in a way that matters. I think it's dangerous. It's safer in the long run to endure an accident than to expose a weakness, hand over a weapon that can be used repeatedly, with intent." One careful breath. Two.
"Think is overstating the case. It's something I know in my back teeth, in the pit of my stomach. I trust you as much as I trust anyone in all the worlds, Quentin. I don't think you'd use my no against me. I do want to help you. And unless something goes really catastrophically awry, I'll be able to remember that. But you asked me to be careful. And I thought it might be. Reassuring. To be better briefed what you can rely on, even then."