[He can't help the soft inhalation of wonder when her soft fur brushes against his hand, but he doesn't let it distract from the gravity of the situation.]

I can barely stand.

[It hurts to be candid about it, but it's the truth.]

How can I be of any help here? What if we come across one of those shadows? And even if we don't, I'll slow you all up moving just between houses.