It's certainly true that Lorne's family would be less comfortable with a Shepherd here, particularly Colin, and Tuo's additional presence would merely heighten the chaos. But Lorne at least knows now that Colin is safe from Dain, so perhaps there might be a chance to prove that he's safe around Dain in the future, somehow.

Those tender intimacies on display are surprisingly easy, like the truth being aired dissolved the thin boundary of distance between Dain and Tuo. They mustn't be able to spend much time alone.

"It would have," Lorne agrees with Dain. "And better me than someone else. I have a chain of command on my side." He's not sure Brickenden would have even waited or gone to see Lance if it had been someone else, and his father may not have much pull if another incident happens, either. "I'll be alright, yes. It'll probably take a few weeks to fully heal, but I've a small flock of friends and family taking care of me." His gaze on Tuo is steady. "This is not your fault. It's my responsibility to protect the people in this village; you did not ask to be harassed."