It certainly smarts, seeing the two together. No point denying it. Self-deception is Master's bane. Levelness of mind is his primary tool, thrown off balance by such delusions. The very reason for watching them from the lofty window.

They are the image of budding spring where his mirror, the sooth-sayer, shows ripening fall. There is envy, to be sure. But what more? The eyes follow Her and the Apprentice while his inner eye studies the flux of his mind.

There it is again. The nagging, elusive emotion. Silencing all other thoughts not to scare it off. It is a worry for himself. Seeing some flaw in him. Something he cannot yet make sense of. Something reluctant to present itself.

A rush of irritation washes the volatile emotion away. What is it that eludes him? What dwells in the unexplored nooks of his inner self? Gather your wits, Master, keep your calm and look to find. That old rule is still valid: Know thyself. Until you catch this shy creature that has awakened in you, you will not advance.

One last glance at the pair in the courtyard before shrugging it off. Maybe next time. Dispelled now by stronger passions. Calls for Her and for food and wine.