Bariyan paused when he noticed Martin falling behind, calling the boy's name out once before falling silent to let Martin catch up himself. Bariyan knew it had to be hard for the boy, too; here he was, a relative stranger, a poor substitute for whoever it was that Martin held so dear in his heart. And no guarantee that the other would come back.

If it'd been as sudden for the other Bariyan as it'd been for him, then there wouldn't even have been time for a proper goodbye. Bariyan thought about that, and swallowed.

"I'm sorry," Bariyan said, as Martin came forwards again. He reached out, placed a hand on Martin's shoulder, light and uncertain and ready to pull back should Martin show any sign of discomfort. "I'll try to be as good to you as he was."