haven't we been here before

Loren's brow furrowed at Delphia's words. "Two years?" Fingers drumming on the worktable, he tilted his head to one side. "That's as long as me and the first arrivals from Northaven." Frowning slightly, he put his hands on his hips. "Where did you and the girls end up?" There were equal parts curiosity and concern in his voice. Glancing at Astra, he smiled faintly, though it was soon overtaken by a sad expression. "That's Astra, my companion, so I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from referring to her as that creature. She's a luxere." He pressed his lips together. "I'm surprised you haven't seen any in Halo yet. They're quite common here." However, he shook his head slightly, knowing that was unimportant. As the pink bird flew to the Launceleyn's desk, he held out his finger for it to hop on. "And who's this?" It came out quietly, without much inflection. Even the wonder at meeting a new creature was gone from his life, at least for now. LOREN Not quite an open book