( once they're both settled on their feet, and once he's sure she isn't in immediate danger of tipping over by a second - or third? - pair of stray hands, he releases his grip on her and withdraws his hands. this place may encourage the debauched and the physical, but he will never linger longer than he is wanted.

in answer to her question, he shakes his head. )

Not at all. I am far more sturdy than I look.

( he may not be well-built like wriothesley or lean and honed like clorinde, but neither is he some pushover. )

Though I must say, that was quite the speed with which you came sailing over.