Estinien has been contending with his own absences, and while they are a bit less fresh, they are no less gnawing. The thrum of power within him, his lance as this fingertips, the armor named for those they'd lost. It has been many years since he's woken so helplessly, with no weapon at his side and no defenses. He is fine being by himself, but here he is both too isolated and too observed. Seclusion loses its satisfaction when it is not by choice.

He can still feel Nidhogg's presence, though more abstractly than before. Those memories and emotions linger, stirred by recent events. Yet, that inherited power has been taken from him, and the impression of Nidhogg's spirit feels it just as keenly. Neither of them could stand being so exposed, so helpless to take action.

He looks up at her when she speaks and can't help but offer a wry smile in return.

"...You have a point," he says.

Maybe there's something to that. If he is truly the only one to be summoned as well, he could be the only comrade she had at her disposal. While he feels ill-equipped to do what he must, he can at least envision a purpose for himself: to see the Warrior of Light back to her home, at any cost.

It's probably not what Himeka would have wanted for him, emotionally, but it's something he needs right now. It will keep him smart - keep him focused on something that isn't short-sighted satisfaction.

"I can only hope it is not as long a detour as it was for the others."