[centre][h1]Frederick Hughes[/h1]
Mental State: Uneasy, but focus and resolve returning
Physical State: Wide awake and mostly healthy[/centre]

“It’s quite alright, no need to beat yourself up over it!” Frederick couldn’t help but feel a little guilty himself as he saw the man retreat inwards a bit after his response. He still felt he’d made the right choice in turning down the request, but he supposed it wasn’t a situation that most people knew how to react to; for whatever reasons he’d ended up coming to Arkham, he was still more mentally equipped to deal with the grim events at hand than most citizens would be. 

The guilt didn’t last too long, however; making a quick recovery, the man continued. Whilst he still seemed shaken, it seemed mostly physical; despite his profuse shivering, weak smile and the slow trickle of sweat down his forehead, his voice seemed fairly focused, if still strained. Frederick supposed the man was stronger mentally than he presented himself; and that was admirable in and of itself. 

“Frederick Hughes- pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr Velera.” With that, Frederick took the hand that was offered to him; whilst he supposed that Jeremy wasn’t quite as skittish as he seemed, he also supposed that now would be an appropriate time to stop mentally dissecting him. Making a move to more pedestrian matters would help both of them, anyway. “As I’m said, I’m perfectly happy to accompany you to the other side of the campus- can’t promise I won’t get lost on the way myself, though!” 

Well, maybe there was something to be said for keeping the analytical side of his mind active. Some well-timed humour could help put them both at ease.