In that quiet time breaking his response in two, Martin worked to keep as much of his attention on Bariyan as he could without risking tripping over or smacking into something. That much had changed little between bodies: still a very single-minded boy, giving nearly his all to one thing at a time (though nature mercifully allowed him to keep up the involuntary stuff like breathing business as usual). He nearly did trip, scuffing his step before a root snagged the toe of his shoe, but only quietly hissed a sound before stepping over it. Not his fault, not the root's...he had been wondering about warmer, drier places.

That was where he was from? Something like that bright, dusty land they had all just been in? Bariyan rarely mentioned things of the past, and always pretty briefly...Martin was quick to jump at the chance to know more. Even if this Bariyan didn't know him...somehow, Martin could know him better? And be better for it, if he were to see the one he knew the best ever again.

That idea fluttered nervously into his head at stay. Martin watched him as much as he could between steps and turns, ignoring the scenery for the most part.

What if he did stay, like this? Alive, smiling...laughing sometimes. A stranger for the most part, but...would it always be that way?

Scary thoughts, he felt. A betrayal to what he already loved? Even if it was the same Bariyan, estranged?

...More confusing than scary, then.

"You might stay," he heard himself saying, barely aware at the start. He hesitated, licking his lips. "I mean, there's little control over it, from individuals...some stay a long time. Some don't."