Oh. Not gone as in dead. Gone as in different country. Emmrich feels a little foolish for leaping to the conclusion he did, but that can be a very heavy four-letter word. It's one in frequent use around here too. Gone, moved into the Fade, in theory, swapping places with a spirit. To the Maker's side, even far more theoretically.

He's seen the Fade. He's never seen the Maker's side, and if that throne was indeed empty... well.

"There's always important work to do here. I'll miss it, very much." Rituals are peaceful, relaxing, soothing almost. They're easy. Those duties can be taken over by so many. It's the delving deeper to see what's changed, what new beings have become corporeal, that is the more exciting work. In that he is not so replaceable, but at least he'll be an eluvian away.

"I will return in time. But for now we need to guard the greater world as well, not simply what's in here, and in so doing, make here safer."

As he speaks, Manfred returns bearing a tea tray with kettle and two cups. The cups are already filled.

"Here, Manfred, over here," Emmrich calls, making sure to keep himself between his assistant and Cedric. "Would you like tea, Ced--oh dear. You were fascinated by the sugar cubes again, weren't you. Would you like tea-flavored sugar, Cedric?"

He'll drink his cup either way. It won't do to discourage Manfred.