A nod -- a very small one. Short. Tight. She could hold onto this. Maintain control. A slight shiver spread through her frame. She tightened against it. Held it back.

What he was offering would help, and that he offered it on her level, without pity, went a long way toward acquiescence. She could accept that, and it didn't tangle into the very complex web of her pride. ". . . Thanks."

Pushing back towards his statement: "You can't bend too?"