[It's only fortunate that his favorite activity is to nap, or else there'd be even more trouble.

There had been no opportunity for this on the First. Business had been too pressing, the task too urgent. The stakes, immediate. These were unusual circumstances; had any of his kind had this chance?]

Just once, for a change, it would be nice if the valuable path was also the easy one. [A small sigh.] I'm sure you've enjoyed casting about for ever greater difficulties, but not all of us are so inclined.

[He glances sideways at her.]

There's no inherent value to effort, you know. It only appears that way because all worthwhile things are difficult.