That isn't a voice he's expecting. Verin actually perks up, and while it doesn't seem appropriate to smile, he does anyway. Essek is, perhaps, the very last person Verin expected to clap eyes on in the near future. He adjusts his grip on the small towel he's been given, keeping it gathered at his hips to make sure it stays in place.

"Essek!" There is strange comfort in seeing his brother here, if only because he thinks, maybe, Essek will at least understand what's going on. Or have a theory as to how they got here. Or... anything.

"Is it really you?" he asks, slightly more cautious.