Time and Mortal Love

Pleasure

This flow traces how the lovers confront unequal lifespans and the temptation to avoid intimacy in order to avoid future grief.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Different Lifetimes Different Lifetimes from "Pleasure". Different Lifetimes Immortal and Mortal Sagan recognizes that Valera will age and die while he remains a Shadowdweller with a much longer life.

Different Lifetimes from "Pleasure". Different Lifetimes Immortal and Mortal Sagan recognizes that Valera will age and die while he remains a Shadowdweller with a much longer life.

Different Lifetimes Immortal and Mortal Sagan recognizes that Valera will age and die while he remains a Shadowdweller with a much longer life. Future Anxiety The difference makes a brief encounter feel both precious and impossible to sustain.

The Urge to Leave The Urge to Leave from "Pleasure". The Urge to Leave Homesickness Sagan worries about Sanctuary and the people who may still be in danger, even as he wants to remain with Valera.

The Urge to Leave from "Pleasure". The Urge to Leave Homesickness Sagan worries about Sanctuary and the people who may still be in danger, even as he wants to remain with Valera.

The Urge to Leave Homesickness Sagan worries about Sanctuary and the people who may still be in danger, even as he wants to remain with Valera. Loving Restraint Valera recognizes that his return matters to him and urges him to go rather than keep him in a life that does not fit.

A Costly Separation A Costly Separation from "Pleasure". A Costly Separation Grief for Both Sagan leaves without promising a return, and Valera is left with the cats and the knowledge that she cannot follow him on…

A Costly Separation from "Pleasure". A Costly Separation Grief for Both Sagan leaves without promising a return, and Valera is left with the cats and the knowledge that she cannot follow him on…

A Costly Separation Grief for Both Sagan leaves without promising a return, and Valera is left with the cats and the knowledge that she cannot follow him on her own. Choice and Loss Their separation honors his responsibilities but also exposes how painful a choice can be when no future seems available.

A Future Becomes Possible A Future Becomes Possible from "Pleasure". A Future Becomes Possible Alternative to Renunciation Magnus proposes that Sagan can leave the priesthood without abandoning his faith or his people.

A Future Becomes Possible from "Pleasure". A Future Becomes Possible Alternative to Renunciation Magnus proposes that Sagan can leave the priesthood without abandoning his faith or his people.

A Future Becomes Possible Alternative to Renunciation Magnus proposes that Sagan can leave the priesthood without abandoning his faith or his people. Shared Work Valera can live in the Shadowdweller world and help address the treatment of magic-users, making love compatible with responsibility.

One Night at a Time One Night at a Time from "Pleasure". One Night at a Time Acceptance of Risk Valera chooses life with Sagan despite their different lifespans and the uncertainties of entering a new society.

One Night at a Time from "Pleasure". One Night at a Time Acceptance of Risk Valera chooses life with Sagan despite their different lifespans and the uncertainties of entering a new society.

One Night at a Time Acceptance of Risk Valera chooses life with Sagan despite their different lifespans and the uncertainties of entering a new society. Present Commitment Their future rests not on a promise to escape mortality but on a decision to share the time they have.

During Sagan and Valera’s first days together

After nine days at Valera’s cabin

When Sagan leaves the cabin

After Sagan’s confession to Magnus

Near the ending, when Valera accepts Sagan’s invitation