[Ion smiles, though it's a bit of an uncomfortable, apologetic sort of grimace.]

You're right. Please forgive me if I made any sort of unintentional assumption about your character. If I'm being honest...well, I suppose I agree with you.

[His expression sets in a serious, but downtrodden line.]

I don't appreciate being coddled, either. Especially not in serious situations such as these ones. I want to know the truth as well.

[Ion shakes his head. He'd been trying to become involved and to learn about all that was happening...but it was a lot to take in. Especially when he had been rather out-of-sorts for the past month. If only everything wasn't happening so quickly. If only there wasn't so much he had missed.

If only he wasn't so weak.]