[ Even though he was struggling to remain conscious -- that battle between bleeding out because his heart was pumping so fast, or passing out because he let himself get too calm -- he could tell there was movement. Some help! Maybe someone with magic arts. He'll be fine in no time!
Ashton's hopes were all but dashed, though, once recognition set in. That voice. That touch. ] Di-- [ Another cough. He flinched away from the touch, and not entirely unconsciously.
But wait, was she... blaming that girl? No, he didn't know her, but he knew it wasn't her fault. ] No...