"It was not possible before now." Hali responded as he looked down at the gift and nodded quietly in thanks. Unusual. "Thank you."

There was a moment more while he seemed to be thinking about the question. Certainly, he had answered the question in letter, but not the spirit. Settling on that thought, he turned back to Illarion. "Riteior's actions made further binding impossible and preparations had to be made to ready myself. Contact before the offer could be completed was unnecessary. Interactions between my kin and sleepers are often not helpful, so it is best to limit them."