[PQ] ghosts in the machine

Sighing, Loren found himself holding off a scowl. He rubbed his temples instead. ”Because the two of us are close, and I’m worried about why you might be seeking him out.” The words came out a little more bluntly than he’d intended. As Jigano and Sunjata gave short explanations of their companions thoughts, the summoner let the words wash over him. However, Astra’s words had practically transfixed him and he stared at her. Swaying from side to side, he wasn’t really paying attention to anyone or anything but his companion. As first Kaimana, and then Oia’i’o spoke, however, the Launceleyn blinked. Then he sank to his knees, and gathered his companion into his arms. The luxere let out a little bleat, and curled almost protectively around him as he buried his face in her fur. ”She’s excited to be able to speak.” He spoke slowly, but loudly, though it was half-muffled given his current position. The other half was from the tears silently streaming down his face, to be absorbed into the luxere’s coat. ”She thinks being bonded is great, but she doesn’t like being left behind sometimes. She also doesn’t like when I get sad. She does like to see new places, and she likes it when I feed her apples.” His arms tightened around her, though not painfully as he momentarily fell silent. ”She doesn’t like it when I’m mean. And she thinks I need a herd.” Those last two statements were spoken much more softly, and he wasn’t sure if anyone had heard them. Well, that’s not true. Someone definitely did. That wasn’t so hard! But you’re still sad. Why are you still sad? She nuzzled his chin against the top of his head. We can leave if this is making you sad. He shook his head, unable to do more than that and hold her close. LOREN Not quite an open book