[ Marianne reaches out, thinking of helping to steady his shaking hands, but would he feel even worse then? She lowers her hand back to her side, wishing she was better at knowing what to say. ]

It wouldn't bother me. I'm happy to lend an ear.

[ Besides, they have the right to complain after what they've been put through. What had Astralin said back then, when she had been shaken and frustrated with herself? He'd been kind and understanding, sitting with her over a cup of relaxing tea, and that had made her feel better. ]

Shall I boil some warm water and cut up a pastry for us to share? It'll help the medicine go down.