[ Suspecting the answer before it came doesn't actually manage to lessen the impact of it. For a brief moment, a deluge of complicated emotions and reactions floods through him: aggravation, irritation, heartbreak, grief, hope. He can't even be happy Verso clearly thought of him as often and with as much longing and sorrow as he'd felt every time he thought of Verso; it's all too much.

His throat works as he swallows, and he finds he's clenched his hands again. He forces his fingers to uncurl, gives Esquie a slightly stiff nod and a smile that feels a little sickly even to him. ]

Thanks.

I should...

[ He half-turns; wheels back again to give Esquie an apologetic look, hands raised and fingers curling self-consciously in on themselves. ]

I should, I should go. See if I can find him.

[ He considers suggesting Verso might be able to help them find Florrie, but he can't— he can't. He has to go, it's thrumming in his blood, impatient. ]

—Thanks.... thank you. Uh... bye.

[ He lifts a hand in an awkward wave, then heads for the stairs at a quick clip, almost fast enough to trip himself on them. He almost does trip as he gets to the cave's exit and turns around, a last thought smacking him. ]

Um, if you see him again, would you let me know?