You're very short.

( Deflection. One of her favourite verbal pastimes.

But to his credit, he's tried to help. He's still trying to help, she thinks. And she hasn't moved away from him, not entirely trusting her own strength yet. She can at least tell him the truth. )

Tell me you've never tried to close the gates of Hell by following questionable instructions on conveniently laid talismans. I drew the rune, and it- ( She considers her next words, finally settling on, ) fed on me.

Thank you, sweetie, but I'm fine, really.

( She feels terrible. )