Marek: Did you, um, did you read all that?
Ithicus: I got as far as “It’s good to hear-” before you shuffled it all under your arm.
Marek: Um. Haha.
Ithicus: How is Drea?
Marek: Oh, she's alright. Good. Still sick, it sounds like.
Ithicus: That poor girl. I pray nightly that the Tree will heal her.
Marek: Yeah. And, um, actually...
Ithicus: Yes, my son?
Marek: Ah, uh, she was wondering if we could maybe go over to the city and visit her! We could also see Reese, and maybe even go see the cathedral there?
Ithicus: Yes, the cathedral is beautiful. I have been once before. Of course, you know what my answer to this will be, Marek.
Marek: Yeah. I do.
Ithicus: I am sorry, my son. I cannot abandon the village for personal pursuits, even for two weeks.
Marek: I know...
Ithicus: That said, while I cannot go, you still can. Of course, not alone. Perhaps I should contact your mother? She could return to the village and take you in early spring, as a mother-son trip.
Marek: I don't want to see mom. She doesn't even care about me.
Ithicus: She loves you, Marek. Of course she cares about you. She simply must travel. It is in her very nature.
Marek: Then why did she marry you? If all she wanted to do was travel?
Ithicus: We chose to get married mutually, and I knew from the beginning that she would be gone often. It was a decision we both made.
Marek: Yeah, well, it wasn’t my choice. I just wish I had a mom.
Ithicus: You do, she just... Well, in either case, I cannot take you to the city, Marek. Do you want me to contact your mother, or will you stay here?
Marek: I don't know! I guess I'll just maybe think about it or whatever. I-
