here's the stage

He folds his hands in front of him and rubs a thumb mindlessly into his palm while he watches them etch.

They get a quick, uncharacteristic head-shake and some mild noise in the negative to dismiss the apology as unneeded.

...

He rallies, a moment later, and walks that timidness back a little bit with a sharp sigh.

"Had to drag me all over Hallownest, didn't you? Surprised we didn't end up at Queen's Gardens."

It's not quite as acerbic as his usual self but it's something. He's better already for being on the floor.