Ever since he was dragged into this place, he's been seeking to find his balance here. Not even in the literal sense, having too many days walking. But also in the sense of finding his place and his plan. He spent nearly a decade with one plan in his life, knowing what he was heading for, but he has to find that here.

But in sitting here and looking up at Inej, he has found one thing. Balance. She offers him that, a weight to keep him focused and not tipping over to one side and going too far.

He holds up his free hand at that warning, definitely hearing it for what it is. "I will accept she is a good person." Because Inej says she is. "But all the world is the Barrel in one way or another. You said after all this place is headed for war. Which means we need to establish our place in this before that happens."

As if they haven't already, and that is something else he needs to learn to accept.

One brow arches, shrugging his shoulders slightly. Yet his fingers squeeze hers even as he speaks. "The same person who I have always trusted to watch my back." The only one he ever has.

Then she does get a sound that very much might be a laugh. "You are working on magic to make yourself more silent? Is that like a void of sound?" A compliment as well with the sound. Though he sobers at the next.

"Cut in what way? Like a fine blade or a dull sword?" He knows which. It's her and her skill, her focus. He knows.