River stared at the drink that was offered like it were a glass of poison, thoughts racing and wildly distorting everything that could be naturally perceived. And then some. It was invading, all of it at once, and she was falling. She was always falling in this place.

A tall, comforting presence made its way into the chaos, firm but gentle at the same time. It was a focal point where the others had been lost in the storm. River closed her eyes, feeling a hand on hers as she concentrated on the single point. It was a brother, and this was exactly why.

Her grip loosened on the table, and she slumped to the side, leaning against Dias as caught the breath that had run away from her. He was much better at explaining than she was. She'd gotten better; the doctor had made her worse.

"What he said," River managed to mumble sheepishly, burying her face in Dias' shoulder and only piping up when Ashton arrived. Clearly unable to see him, she announced just as he opened his mouth,

"Your friend is here, brother."