[Well. The affection from the little creature certainly wasn't expected, no. But it's...strangely welcome, as Gaius returns it with gentle scratches along the side of its neck, feeling Carbuncle's pleasant warmth even through the thickness of the bandages.]

[And then he pulls away, because while the attention is nice, it's not Carbuncle he had been waiting for.]

Truthfully? I'm only surprised that your Hydaelyn would even allow someone to simply take you from us.

[But at the very least, now she's not alone here, he thinks. There's a grimace as he pushes himself back to standing, quickly smoothed over again once he's upright again, pale eyes going back to Era-]

[And falling on the blade she holds out expectantly, raising his brow instead.]

Era, you needn't have gotten me...

[Anything. Not when she's already been doing so much for him as it is, and not when he certainly hasn't done anything in return to earn it...]

[But after a moment, he takes the weapon carefully from her hands, eyeing the delicate designs along the hilt as he lets out a soft sigh.]

...thank you. Did you make this yourself?