[Thankfully, Carlisle hears Rey coming and isn't startled. His mind has been occupied lately, his thoughts heavy. He cannot drown them in alcohol, so he busies himself to stifle them, to minimize their effects upon his conscience. He's only met with limited success in that regard, but he made a promise of sobriety to his partner, and he doesn't intend to break it.

Though some of his thoughts are not as weighty, they are complicated nonetheless, especially with this communion he has entered with Glacius. That's why he invited Rey here -- though Glacius and Carlisle have both defied the customs of their people with this pact, the clergyman would like to maintain some semblance of a proper courtship.

And doing things the proper way means a proper hunt, an activity at which, to absolutely no one's surprise, Carlisle is very poor.

He sets his plant aside, the pruning shears still in hand as he heads for the shed.]

Let us talk inside, if that's all right. It's nothing serious, I assure you. Well... serious for you. It is quite serious for me.

[He unlocks the door and opens it, stepping aside to allow Rey in.]