[PQ] ghosts in the machine

Loren closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ”I’m sorry. I’ve had a...it’s been...sorry.” When he opened his eyes, his expression had slipped into something truly neutral, the last dregs of emotion having drained (or been forced) away. As soon as Astra was released, she pressed herself against him. He gathered her in his arms and made soothing noises until she was fully calm. When Kai explained that he was going to take the companions, the summoner gave the luxere firm instructions to follow the son of Rae and stick with the other companions. Astra was excited to be on the move, early discomfort already forgotten. She trotted off, and kept up a steady stream of everything she saw and what the other companions and Kai did. The Launceleyn kept his face blank, though he noted when her voice began to fade. When she disappeared completely, he spoke, right on the heels of Sunjata as it turns out. ”I can’t hear her anymore.” Loren made sure he spoke loudly and clearly, without inflection. LOREN Not quite an open book