"Big Boss! We finally meet face-to-face!"
Caesar leaped off his Dire Bear, his massive sword sheathed on his back, and approached Orion with the eager energy of a golden retriever. He seemed almost clumsy in his excitement, his hands lifting and falling, unsure of where to put themselves. For a second, he looked like he wanted to go in for a hug, then thought better of it.
Orion said nothing, just studied the man, a flicker of puzzlement in his eyes. He was certain they'd never met before, yet Caesar had picked him out of the non-existent crowd instantly, as if he'd known him his whole life.
"You're younger than I pictured," Caesar boomed, his voice full of genuine admiration. "Exactly how I imagined!"
Breaking the silence, Orion reached out and clapped Caesar firmly on the shoulder. It was a simple, grounding gesture, an unspoken welcome that immediately closed the distance between them.
