And now, at last, Maximus' behavior begins to register. Shyness, a little stumbling over words, and is there a slight tremor in those powerful hands? The younger sorcerer feels rooted to the spot, caressing the pebble with his thumb softly, and then he gapes at the appearance of the little flower. He's never seen anything like it.

His throat works soundlessly for a moment, and when words do come out, his voice cracks embarrassingly. "Max. Max, did you really...you went out into the world over me?"

His eyes lock onto the heart of the flower as it continues to glow and pulse. As mysterious and ethereal as it is, it seems safer than looking at his friend just now.