[ Similarly, he is trying to navigate his own storm of emotions that her words are bringing back to life. He does not wish to let them take hold, because his priority in this moment is her, and assisting her in drifting back to the sleep that she needs. With one hand, he begins to lightly stroke her ear, hoping that the action will soothe her and send her off to sleep once more. ]

I did, yes. [ Perhaps halfway intentionally, because at the time, he lacked the strength to hold himself up when the shackles were removed. His condition was not so dire, as he maintains, but it was rather the shock of everything that had happened and how quickly the situation unraveled that left him feeling rather weak and unable to maintain his usual posture. But at the same time, that he embraced her was a mark of his gratefulness at being rescued. Even now, he remains grateful to her and the rest of his friends for coming to his aid and freeing him from his cell. ]

I am safe, Lantaa. You do not need to fear about that, and... And you certainly do not need to love me from afar. I am yours, after all, and I certainly hope that you remain here in Ishgard.

[ He realizes now that the details of their relationship and how they have advanced seem to have slipped from her sleeping mind, and so he simply decides to follow her lead and offer the reassurances that she seems to need. ]

I'm right here. [ He continues to stroke her ear, and his other hand moves to lightly stroke the side of her face. ] Go back to sleep. I will not be leaving your side.