[Any other time, he might duck down and nuzzle into her hair. Tease her a little about finding him more interesting than all the fun things going on. He can't. He can't because what is going on down there isn't anything like fun to him. It's horrifying in a way that would churn his stomach had he still been human. So instead, he simply pulls a little tighter, as if she's some sort of shield between him and the goings on below.]

I'm sure they care... [It's small. He's always like this though, trying to give the benefit of the doubt even in the face of certainty. He wants to think that his Court only has his best interests at heart. Just like he wants to think that it's respect for his dedication to healing that has him being asked to do this season after season, and not some sadistic attempt to cauterize his bleeding heart.]

That's...That's not right. There's nothing more pleasurable than learning. [Actually, there are a few things more pleasurable than that. They both know that.] In finding new methods and new approaches. Passion is what drives discovery. In that, I think you could outmatch any of those scholars. But...I'm glad you aren't down there. [He doesn't know what he would do if he had to put her back together. He doesn't think it would be pretty, how angry he might become at their reckless disregard for his long time...annoyance.]

If I get called, maybe you can help me a little? I know you'd control the situation better than I can.