As the last dregs of the drug faded away, Oren opened his eyes. The girl hadn't left but at the very least. she had respected his wishes and sat down nearby. She had glanced at him from time to time, but they hadn't said anything to one another for the past... half hour or so? There was no easy way for him to tell how long he'd been here, but that seemed about right. He took a deep breath, before standing, and offering his hand to Fionna to assist in the same.

"We should return before we are missed," he said softly. "Given how fierce your elder sister is, I've little doubt that she might accuse me of trying to kidnap you - something I'd rather avoid."

When she stood and brushed a light layer of snow off of her clothes, he gestured for her to walk beside him as they began to walk back. He slowed his pace so that she could keep up, letting her guide him through the tunnels and towards where he'd be staying. When they reached the rooms, Oren spoke to the girl once more.

"I should be able to find Ziotea on my own from here. No need to follow me this time," he said good-humouredly. He turned to go, but when a thought came to him, looked back. "Fionna... please do not speak of what you saw. I know that your family lives a solitary life, but my method of dealing with my... my illness... isn't quite acceptable, not by others, nor by my own standards. It... extends the illness, in a way. So I would feel more at ease if you gave your word that you wouldn't speak about it or question it." Once more, he made to leave and then twisted back.

"I... thank you for accompanying me. I appreciated it."

Oren inclined his head towards her, before finally moving away. It didn't take long for him to locate the room Ziotea and Rose were in - the heated exchange they were having. It was muffled, but he managed to catch the last of Ziotea's words.

"...of here.  Go tend to your nursemaid.  If she dies, the choice won't be yours any longer.  It'll be mine."

His brow creased in a frown, but he composed his expression and gave a light knock on the door before opening it. He took the scene in briefly, noting the metal shards scattered around the room. Ziotea's power. Rose stood closer to the door, so he could assume that the discussion either hadn't been going on long, or it was more confrontational than Rose would have liked.

"Perhaps it would be best if you went to your grandmother's side, Rose. Whatever the two of you have been talking about, I don't think it goes anywhere desirable."

The young girl opened her mouth to speak, to snap a retort - but Oren held up one hand telling her to be quiet, and with his other, pressed Essa's catalyst into her hands, though he made sure that Ziotea didn't see the latter. Either in rage, confusion or shock, Rose left the room. With that done, he turned to his companion.

"Should I ask what that was about?"