Oh, under other circumstances, he would find Vervain's efforts at subterfuge adorable. (Maybe he manages even a little of it, right now.) But now, that innocent inquiry, "You two are getting on all right?" just makes him flush with colour, his pulse racing again. What had he been thinking, acting so brashly? And why had he done such a thing in the first place?

His eyes dart to Dain and then just as quickly away, and he adopts a light smile that he hopes reaches his voice. "Not to worry," he assures Vervain in a softer voice, even going so far as to gently touch the priest's arm for emphasis. "He and I share a homeland. That can put many other differences in perspective."