[It's... a little strange, how keenly aware Luca is of Zahliya's absence. Whether the gargoyle has realized it or not, whenever Luca deigns to leave the tavern, his gaze first seems to go toward his companion's chosen perch. Every day, there's an assurance that he's still there, and for some reason that makes Luca feel good. He explains it away as being comforted by the presence of a local guardian, currently more powerful than he could be, but...
Something in the back of his mind tells him that isn't the case.
The point is, though, that the moment Zahliya disappears, Luca notices. He expects it to only be temporary, assures himself that the gargoyle has only gone for cheese. But when he hasn't reappeared by the evening, Luca knows that something is up.
So he makes a point of checking more frequently than ever. Morning, noon, and at sunset, he makes sure to watch for Zahliya. And with the gargoyle having not been about during his noon check, Luca had simply assumed that this would be yet another day in which he doesn't appear.
Until the doors open, and Zahliya's form is revealed. It's a good thing that the bar is empty, lest Luca have to explain why he first reaches for his sword, then promptly drops it in favor of crossing the room. His hands go out, but stop short of both skin and smoke. He isn't sure if Zahliya is hurting. He doesn't want to make it worse.]
Where - ["have you been," he wants to ask. But it doesn't feel like the right question.] What do you need?
[His heart jackrabbits within his throat. He knows damn well this isn't just about being startled by a suddenly opening door. It may not be the same intensity, but Luca is deeply acquainted with this feeling, one of being on the verge of losing someone important.
He tries to swallow it down in favor of focusing on Zahliya's needs.]
hey garg it's baby
Something in the back of his mind tells him that isn't the case.
The point is, though, that the moment Zahliya disappears, Luca notices. He expects it to only be temporary, assures himself that the gargoyle has only gone for cheese. But when he hasn't reappeared by the evening, Luca knows that something is up.
So he makes a point of checking more frequently than ever. Morning, noon, and at sunset, he makes sure to watch for Zahliya. And with the gargoyle having not been about during his noon check, Luca had simply assumed that this would be yet another day in which he doesn't appear.
Until the doors open, and Zahliya's form is revealed. It's a good thing that the bar is empty, lest Luca have to explain why he first reaches for his sword, then promptly drops it in favor of crossing the room. His hands go out, but stop short of both skin and smoke. He isn't sure if Zahliya is hurting. He doesn't want to make it worse.]
Where - ["have you been," he wants to ask. But it doesn't feel like the right question.] What do you need?
[His heart jackrabbits within his throat. He knows damn well this isn't just about being startled by a suddenly opening door. It may not be the same intensity, but Luca is deeply acquainted with this feeling, one of being on the verge of losing someone important.
He tries to swallow it down in favor of focusing on Zahliya's needs.]