[ A merciful intervention. The guard's miserable life is saved as a new distraction is presented in full.

Or rather, that's how they want to feel. It's one thing to be righteously angry at being treated in such a manner over emotionless text, when they have no evidence beyond their own feelings to present an opposing argument. It's another entirely to see the injuries in person, be confronted by crusty burnt patches of skin and measure how she wavers while standing still. It's horrifying. What did she even do?

The other girl might as well not exist. Her silent threat is ignored by way of Lion not even noticing her presence.

Wakaba is not given a chance to pull away after directing them towards where she wants to go. They fall naturally into place in support, mechanically, one arm braced lightly against her shoulders, the other resting at her side for her to hold onto. ]

It's understandable. I imagine he's only nervous, what with the sudden onset of peaceful weather and all. It's making everyone rather... antsy.

[ Despite the sudden pang of regret, the words still come out clipped. They Understand now, certainly, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt. ]

But no, it was simple enough, once I stopped going in circles while waiting for an address. [ Exhibit a: that. ] Where did you want to sit while we discuss this...?

[ Because there will be a discussion, like it or not. This is the price for asking for their help. ]