"It is a selfish thing, yes." The truth is harsher, so it is best to follow that with a dart of comfort, also true. "But being selfish is not an evil thing at every turn. Choosing love is quite selfish in many instances, as an example, but one would be hard-pressed to find love spoken against at every turn. All in moderation, as they say."

Timelines and alternate realities are confusing in the best of times, but it seems that Themis needs to touch on them here. Avan would not give it up in Popp's world, because...

"My dear Popp, Avan being your teacher is never something that will change for you. It has already happened. Nothing you can say or do here will change that. He will have always been your mentor, and you will always possess those memories. That being said, I do not believe that the truth will turn Avan from his path."

He shrugs slightly, the movement shifting them both enough that his wing needs to reposition to wrap more firmly around the boy.

"I do not know him especially well, but what I do know supports that claim."