Vespertine should not be so stable. It has plenty of regrets... But it is, at its heart, metaphysically a terror. And this attack, it hurts it. But it's been through this twice, and if asked, it would say the ghost was worse. Sorrow forced upon it, embodied. But here, they seek to awaken its sorrow... And it finds itself only somewhat moved. Perhaps it will worsen? The living, breathing people are devastated.

Should it help? Can it help? Is that part of the deal? It doesn't know. But then it sees Shen Qingiu. And it knows it needs to help. It tries to tell itself it's not out of compassion, but duty. Shen was there, when it was overwhelmed and lost... It should do the same.

It has to move carefully. People are struggling all around, and it is small, vulnerable. Vespertine knows of it's vulnerability so much more, now. Perhaps that will help.

Tiny, artificial hands tug on his sleeves, press against his forehead... No, too small. A moment of uncertainty, and then it's human sized. The lessened sense of touch is irritating, but... It can help him up, now. "Shen Qingui.." The falseness of its voice is just as present as ever.