By the time five minutes has elapsed, Devero has gathered the scroll up again and is sitting with it in his lap, fingers tracing over the paper and the cord. When it starts to move again he lifts his hands, letting it do as it will, but doesn't retreat from it this time. No, he just watches, with his heart in his throat, as it starts to leave him--

Like Koumyou left him--

"No!" he says hoarsely, lunging forward to try and grab the end of it before it slips out the door. "Wait!" He scrambles on hands and knees towards the tent's flap, breath catching and eyes burning.

Then a voice speaks, and he freezes. Only his head turns, slow and uncertain in that direction. He takes in the new shadow on the wall of the tent, and feels his heart start to beat in his throat again, so big and strong he can't force a word past it in response.