John is tired, and the warmth of Geralt body as he sits pressed against his back and the movement of the horse beneath them are combining to remind him of exactly how tired he is. What energy he had mustered through the sheer terror of facing that creature is now fading away, leaving him feeling exhausted, uncertain, and melancholy. It is not unfamiliar territory for him, but he would rather not start on this footing, here with Geralt in this brand-new place.

He is quiet for a long moment after Geralt speaks, before he finally replies.

"I would consider myself fortunate for much more than that," he says, uncertain whether he is grateful or not that Geralt cannot see him just now. There might be a better place for this conversation than sitting atop Roach's back, but John feels it needs to be said, and sooner rather than later. "Geralt. I am so very grateful for everything you have done for me, these past few days. Months, in truth. With everything that has happened in Thorne, and now this. I never meant to be such a burden..."