Baze still has no idea what set her off. Was it a discussion of Sinric's telepathy? He can see how that might have been a trigger. What about his own irritation? That might have scared her.

Whatever the reason, Baze knows he'll have to limit his bitching in the future. He can't stand to see his friends in pain, and if he can do anything to prevent that, then he'll do it, come hell or high water.

He immediately folds Oswin into his powerful arms, tucking her against his chest and resting his chin on her head. He leans back on the arm of the couch, carrying her with him. Snuggling is something Baze is good at, having practiced and enjoyed it, so he does his best to hold her now.

"I'm sorry," he says, muffled by her hair.