He kisses the top of her head, before giving her expression a long contemplative review. He squeezed her shoulder, leaning his cheek against her hair.

"I am sorry, Pel. Can I do anything, besides be here for you?" He has learned he cannot fix Pel's problems - although right now he feels the desire to do so. He supresses that urge, waiting for her to speak, to tell him what she needs.

He's not a slow man, but there are still some things that he knows he has to really learn. Pel's independent spirit would not be helped by him butting in without being invited in to help.