So focused is he on his connection to the Tower, keeping that shield up, that he cannot even resist Felih's attempts to investigate whatever wounds he imagines he must have beyond the instinctive flinch. He cannot bear having him so close, and unconsciously his teeth grind together as he tries to tolerate it to the best of his ability, but it's so hard.

"You are a distraction," he near hisses. "I yet maintain the barrier shielding this city. An attack of this scale has left it greatly weakened, and I cannot allow them within the city walls."