[ It's not as if he has no faith in Fable and Ouyang's abilities. At the very least, the duo were less likely to fall on the field than he, if the recent battles had been any indication. But it was his nature to care, and in these circumstances, in the chaos of war, it's hard to predict what may happen. Fable always said he cared too much, but Torth is sure that care would be welcome at the end of the day, when the lizardmen and bullywugs are eliminated and the quartet reunite to rest and recuperate.

Eseld will feel Torth tense and his breath flutter faintly when he shifts his hand towards the Paladin's collar. It's an unconscious reaction, a mark left deep in his mind by the undead he's faced. A sign of weakness, the druid would likely call it. A reminder to never open a door for a vampire in a sleepy stupor ever again, Torth would reply.

Though Eseld isn't looking, Torth doesn't doubt that the druid could see the frown that settles over the Paladin's face at his light, playful remark. ]

I would rather you not, Eseld. I'm sure you're more than creative enough to figure out less dangerous ways of doing that.

[ Your elegance or lack thereof at the moment was the least of his worries right now, and the self-depreciating comment was even less welcome. The Paladin can't help but very slightly jostle the injured druid in a spark of irritation. ]

Cut it out. You don't deserve death and I'm not about to listen to you go on a pity party. You will live.