Caleb's smile was small, tender, something full of affection that he could only have for a moment before he put it away again. No sense dwelling on anything too much. He was very grateful for Essek's presence, though, that was certain.

"He's been here about a month," he said. "It is a comfort to have someone that knows me, that I know as well. Only..."

He was quiet a moment and then shook his head slightly. No, nevermind. It didn't matter, and he shouldn't bother Elcin with the complications of his and Essek's temporal dissonance.