[Caleb's eyes widened at those words, feeling heat flush through his face once more.]

I can't imagine what you mean.

[He fully knew what Essek meant, of course. He'd been more than a little distracted at the time. Off task, and he was fortunate it hadn't been worse.

Following Essek to the back table, he was grateful that the other man had chosen a place out of the way, tucked into the back.]

It is, isn't it? It feels a bit like missing a limb, some intrinsic part of myself.

[He took a seat and admitted, quietly.] I feel a bit defenseless. It's daunting.