Funny how it all played out

Loren stood in the mists, staring at the newest signpost that had appeared. Unsurprisingly he looked terrible, hollowed out almost, skin pale, frame once again too thin, dark circles etched under his eyes. He didn’t feel much better, an empty apathy having rushed in to the hole in his soul after he’d cried his last tear. Finally, he sighed and stepped through the portal to Torchline. The heat, light, and the beauty of the new land was like a slap in the face. However, even that didn’t muster a response from him. He just looked ahead dully, then took off his cloak and draped it over his arm. His clothes were a drab brown, looking even worse against the vibrant background. Walking forward, leaving heavy footprints behind in the sand, he wandered aimlessly, not looking for anything or anyone in particular, just...moving around the port without much purpose. There was nothing really ahead or behind him that he cared about, not in his life, so he ignored the curious looks, mutters, and appraisals from the locals, who were very amused by the obviously dumb stranger in their midst. If anyone got too close, though, he just turned a blank expression on them and remained silent until they left him alone. It was enough to deter even the most curious of onlookers. However, a familiar, yet very different looking figure, shirtless, carrying a sack, walking just ahead, stopped the summoner in his tracks a short distance away. Eyes still dull, he watched for a long moment. Finally, he spoke up, voice raspy with the telltale signs of not having been used in a while. ”Remi.” There was no particular inflection in the call, just the barest hint of surprise. Although the link was wide open, on the Launceleyn's end at least, Remi wouldn't get anything more from Loren's mind. LOREN Not quite an open book