As soon as Liliana's hand found Ignis', that tension immediately seemed to relax and dissipate. A particularly keen observer might have even caught the incredibly faint breath of relief escaping the subtle part in his lips. A bit foolish, perhaps, but the assurance of exactly what his place in all of this was perhaps more needed than he'd initially realized.

He nodded, an acknowledgement to her gratitude but a suggestion that he needed to even think of saying so was wholly unnecessary, as he gave her hand a squeeze.

"If that mere shadow manages to survive the night," he said, "then I believe some very well-earned recovery time shall be in order."

And you knew it was well-earned if even Ignis was suggesting it!