[ While she considers, he waits. Is he hoping she turns him down? Might be. It'd make things simpler. She would still have the option should she change her mind later.

He senses she'll want it, though. He's right. His expression is heavy, but he nods. They'll go. ]

When I brought another in, only physical contact was required after I entered. To return, you'll need undisturbed concentration.

[ Which, if he's taught her, she should know how to do. He tips his head for her to follow him back out of the alley they've tucked into. If they'll be doing this, he wants to return to the inn, where the doors can be locked. He leads through the overflowing streets, answers what questions she has remaining. Despite having tried this with another already, it's still too much like toying with a power neither of them understand. But it is a tool, too. One they can use. He might not be keen to fuck with what he can't fully grasp, but he gets the value of a calculated risk.

He takes them upstairs when they return to their room and shuts the door. Seats himself on the floor. He looks at Ciri. ] I'll be right alongside you.

(( narrator: he was not right alongside her at all. ))