[That they don't question it, or even vocalize any frustration, is enough to put Dion at ease for the time being. Clive's plain answer, unflinching as it is, is exactly what Dion needed. He exhales, trying to breathe out the residual fear that had gripped him. Try as he might, some of it yet lingers in his gut.
He does start to protest the presence of the blanket — he isn't feverish, but he does feel warm and certainly sweaty. The weight of it against his shoulders, however light though it actually may be, is grounding. So, to, is the way Joshua checks on him.]
You needn't dote on me. Either of you. [But even as he protests, his body continues to relax. His kneejerk reaction now having passed, he tries to focus on something a little more kind.] Grateful though I am for it.
[He glances about the room. His intent isn't to pry, but to ground. It was a technique some of the more rattled dragoons had taken to — identify and label your surroundings. Remind yourself of where you are, not where your mind had gone.
no subject
He does start to protest the presence of the blanket — he isn't feverish, but he does feel warm and certainly sweaty. The weight of it against his shoulders, however light though it actually may be, is grounding. So, to, is the way Joshua checks on him.]
You needn't dote on me. Either of you. [But even as he protests, his body continues to relax. His kneejerk reaction now having passed, he tries to focus on something a little more kind.] Grateful though I am for it.
[He glances about the room. His intent isn't to pry, but to ground. It was a technique some of the more rattled dragoons had taken to — identify and label your surroundings. Remind yourself of where you are, not where your mind had gone.
Breathe in. Hold. Breath out. Hold.]
I am sorry to have woken you.