Estinien is glad that Himeka is better at handling people than he is, because he doubts he would have even half as much grace if their positions were reversed. In fact, he knows he wouldn't, given how haphazard his efforts have already been. It's become a cycle, since the moment he was captured - he resists, sees punishment for it, and then becomes only more desperate to escape.

It hasn't gotten him anywhere, and he feels like a fool as Himeka makes her way to him. He can only imagine she arrived here the same way he did. The thought had honestly crossed his mind that he would be the only one.

It works out in the soldier's favor that Estinien is too distracted by his friend's arrival to throw much of a fit, which is maybe why they end up tolerating it. Around them, the military men continue shuffling around supplies and prisoners. To Estinien, seeing her brings this all uncomfortably close to reality.

"I thought as much," he says. "When I... came out of that cave..." He shakes his head. "'Twas like being born anew. None of my strength arrived with me." There's something pleading in his eyes as he looks her over. "Did you feel the same?"