Rowan's worries

Rowan's mind was heavy with worries. The most pressing problem was the elusive sea hag who still posed a danger to Syryn. Roga was wily and knew enough about the creature that he would survive a few weeks. With the Ruby circlet in his hands, the sorcerer would survive even longer. This period of reprieve would end if and when Roga was killed by his creation.

Problem number two - Rowan had to turn into a man as soon as possible. His little lover had lost all his vitality. Syryn often roamed the house like a ghost that was filled with regrets.

It wasn't so much about Rowan being a woman that haunted Syryn. The mage was being haunted by his own guilt. It upset Syryn that Rowan had transformed but then he thought about how much more troublesome it was for the anti mage, and that fed the flames of his guilt.