Hild gave him a mildly perturbed look when he sent her earring swinging, batting his hand away as one would shoo a fly. That annoyance faded in the second it took for him to settle beside her. Having the understanding company of so many friends, who did not push her to speak when she did not wish to and would sit quietly beside her, helped Hild feel comfortable, safe. It made speaking less scary. For one day.

She rested her head on Neil's thin shoulder, groaning softly as she rubbed at her stomach.