[It's enough to lead him to sideline any further explanation of the greater situation at hand, even if only for a moment. Brennan may not want to think about it, but the expression on Dorian's own face darkens, openly conflicted. It pains him to know that hearing about that particular facet of the future must hurt, that sharing it may as well have been sliding a knife right between Brennan's ribs— or so he must imagine, given how that single note in his voice makes him feel, despite Brennan's attempt to keep things light.]

Amatus, had I any other option...

[He'd meant to come back. He hadn't wanted to stay away as long as he had; he'd written countless letters, but of course that had always left them both wanting. Seeing one another at Halamshiral should have been a glorious reunion for the both of them despite the circumstance, and yet it had been tainted by loss and deception.

For all of his own sarcasm, for all his insistence that Brennan keep the fact that he even had feelings a secret from everyone else, Dorian would not let it be thought that there was any part of him that intended to stay gone.]

It is not forever. Whatever challenges may arise, here or otherwise, you must know I am ever at your side. There is nothing that could keep me away for long. My work is important to me, but you are even moreso.