[And inside that man -- at his core and locked away by a spell forced into him and meant to shatter his soul before it managed to merge as it was meant to, from fraction pieces into one, this life, his last life -- were all the memories that were by rights his. Caleb, the part of him that was still Caleb, was closer and closer to the surface with Essek nearby. Even death and Trent Ikithon's spell couldn't fully stop the gravity that existed between them. Caleb would have given anything for the touch of that hand in his.

Bren wanted it too, wanted to reach out and tangle his fingers together with Lord Thelyss's, see the way their hands looked intertwined. Those impulses kept slipping into his mind, and they should have been impossible. Trent had given him to Astrid and Eadwulf, had made certain they'd imprint upon each other. But nothing in that bond had ever felt anywhere near as strong as this unmistakable pull towards this still mysterious Drow. And it had never felt so right.

So while Essek led, Bren followed and looked at him with a longing he was not aware of being so obvious in his eyes.]

They have been very kind. And I have eaten more today than I have for the past... well... [It's been a while.] Including another very colorful cupcake. It seems your Miss Jester has an endless supply.

[Bren stopped before the doors and looked up to Essek before laughing.] I'm starting to think that you are deliberately drawing out the suspense now. [A pause before he adds, with a faintly amused note in his voice.] Lord Thelyss.