Oren wasn't quite sure when he became aware of her presence. But he did feel her watching him.

"I know you're there."

If he hadn't known, the sudden reaction would have given her away in an instant.

"...There's not much point in hiding. Let me see you.

Fionna stepped out from her hiding space, and approached him gingerly. He watched her, tracking her movements. There was enough reason to believe that she did not trust him - after all, he was a stranger, and a dangerous one at that. But a child's curiosity doesn't outweigh fear.

She stood before him, avoiding his gaze as he searched her face. But, with his mind clouded from the drug, he couldn't discern her intentions. Sighing, he decided to be direct.

"Do have something you wish to tell me? About what you were doing?"

"Watching you - I mean! Spying on you."

He gazed at her. Spying. For Rose or Essa? Or neither? He needn't accuse either of them - for all purposes, they were being kind, kind enough that there was a measure of respect between them. At least, that was how Oren himself felt.

He let her ramble for a few moments before she told him that she had noticed. She had noticed him administering the drug. His heart pounded, his eyes wide, and he snapped his head to the side. Ah... breathe in... breathe out. This... wasn't good. He turned back to face Fie.

"...It is a medicine, yes." he said quietly, choosing his words before speaking. "As for whether or not I am ill... my body is sound. I am not injured, nor infected." He tapped his temple with one gauntleted finger. "This is... an ailment of the mind."

He looked at the young girl. Eight years. Maybe nine. Maybe seven. He couldn't tell. But she had already been through a lot. And he could see the marks of that life in her. He had a brief moment of clarity.

"Fionna of Saphar. You might have realised this, but the world is not gentle. You will never know ease or comfort in this life. Time cannot be your ally. Danger and hardship await you every day, even if Mother Lyessa protects you from them now. In body, heart and mind, you will need to grow strong. Stronger than you might imagine. But you must also admit your weaknesses, lest they consume you. You will need those things to survive. I hope you understand that."

And then it passed. He looked down at the stone floors... and let his eyes wander across a stylised pattern that had worn and faded over the years.

"Now let us speak of it no more. I need some calm of mind, so I will stay here for a while. Stay if you must, but please, do not talk. I would appreciate the quiet."