Hm... Maybe suffering a dry mouth around some dry rations is your way of distracting me from-- ah.

[ he sends a tentative glance beyond her shoulder; there's a wide variety of Sad or Stressful things to take in, honestly -- dejected shapes of other 'travelers' slumped and weary from the day's travels, or simply having been beaten into submission at this point. the guards, as cold and closed off as ever, whips all of them understand to be wary of at the ready. ]

...Well-- take your pick, really.

[ and though it's hardly necessary considering there's more than enough space already, Abel's scooting over a bit where he's sat cross-legged on the ground, patting the spot beside him invitingly. ]

Though, honestly... I'd be lying to say I wasn't starving for a smiling face more than rations, if you'd like to humor me for a bit, miss--?