The silence that followed his words felt natural to Shift. Not because he was accustomed to it, but the very fact that he wasn't. Inviting Lucas on his journey, indulging in a friendly feast, and sharing his thoughts freely...they were the strangest things in the world, yet, somehow, the very best. It was as if for small moments, mere seconds in time, he'd removed the mask of a merchant and become someone else. Someone who craved that liberation. But no matter how often this passed, or how well it was understood, he'd eventually return to the comfort and control of the mask. It'd simply been on too long to ever truly separate. It was a part of him, and always would be.<br/><br/>Even so, Shift never let these moments slip by; and better yet, they wouldn't let him. Whatever brought it on commanded his attention, and it was in this state that he watched his new friend shine. Without any hesitation, Lucas embraced the advice, already gathering courage to put it into action. So by the time he stood up, flashing his thumb and pressing forward, Shift was convinced he’d found someone special. In less than 24 hours, he’d become fascinated for a second time.<br/><br/>Lingering in the afterglow of emotions past, Shift watched him go with a soft smile, listening carefully to the sound of his steps crossing into the kitchen. Lucas was heading toward something frightening, a battle that probably still scared him, but there was no doubt in the merchant's mind that he'd manage to win. That's just the guy he was...