[The touch in his hair was soothing. Being this intimately close to Essek was soothing. His hand wended it sway up along his chest, to settle against where his heart would once have beat -- and still locked inside, the part of him that was Caleb smiled at the memory of it. But beating or not, that heart was precious to Bren and Caleb both, a treasure that he would guard with every ounce of power and life within him.

He was quiet as the drow speak. He did not need to fear... Gods he'd spent years doing nothing but fearing, his entire world a tapestry woven of pain and terror. But he wasn't trapped in that world any longer, he reminded himself.

Leaning into Essek's hand, he nodded.]

I... yes, of course I trust you. I know your strength and I trust you to know it as well.

[His voice dropped quieter.] I would not forgive myself if I hurt you, but if I'm being honest, I do not want to go far from you, even when I turn. I belong at your side. I do not wish to leave it.