[ It isn't often that the two of them ever find themselves at odds quite like this. That's proof enough that they're being affected in certain ways, as if it wasn't obvious already. Thancred had been granted a glimpse of what was to come on his investigation of the thaumametor with Stephen, but they hadn't noticed any side effects to them specifically until the trip back.

By then, it had been too late. Urianger was already feeling the effects, and they haven't been able to have a proper talk since then. Thancred can't heap all of the blame on Urianger, either, as his own insecurities (forced upon him or not) had come into play as well. ]

Neither of us are quite ourselves at the moment, it seems.

[ Urianger won't even look at him. It's quite reminiscent of when he'd cover most of his face and lurk in the corner at most Scion discussions. Thancred lets out a long sigh, then reaches up to brush his hair back. ]

For example, I've been having to fend off thoughts that you want nothing to do with me and that's why you've been avoiding me at every turn. But... that isn't true, is it?

[ He knows what his own doubts sound like. This is different, which means he's better equipped to push past it. ]