"It's not about what I like," he says, and when he realizes immediately after just how chilly his tone had been, he sighs. "...I mean," he ads, carefully, "I prefer not to have a hand in your creative process. Whatever that might mean for you. It works best if everything is done as organically as possible."

Alecto pauses to consider his last phrasing. It was...odd, he's aware. He glances at Joshua, his gaze curious and sharp as always. "...There's no rush," he says, trying hard to be encouraging and patient. "I enjoy being your muse."