Wasn't there magic in this? Because Caleb could feel the surge of something through him, something warm and tingling, a sensation that wound itself around his heart like an embrace, and he found himself staring at Essek in something all too like wonder.

It softened, after a moment, into a smile, gentle and touched as he felt the pearl pressed back into his hand. Fingers curled around it, accidentally -- or perhaps with all intention -- brushing along Essek's as he did.

"Yes, we should. It would be a waste not to."