[Whoa! Well, that was utterly unexpected, although as soon as Dilandau mentions Raphael, Balthazar gets a very vivid idea of that audience might have been like.

Now he has a dilemma. He doesn't want to be on a pedestal, and he really doesn't want to be some sort of deified go-to guy if trouble starts up. He also doesn't want to dissuade genuine faith--or respect. He's quiet for a moment, then says:]

Raphael is my older brother. Much older. You're wise to approach him with deference. I'm not his equal, even if I am the same kind. And you haven't particularly offended me. Let's just go on as we have been, shall we?