[He notes the tear, but more than that the reaction to it. She is here. She is paying attention. She is still, after all, Abigail and he still believes in that whole heartedly.

He doesn't think he'll ever stop. Certainly not willingly.]

When it is discovered that a contact poison has been introduced, the first course of action is to use a marker or something similar to trace the outer edge of its area of effect, the boundary between poisoned tissue and healthy tissue. Treatment begins immediately, but with regular pauses to check the line, to draw a new one if the poison continues to spread.

There must be a concrete assessment of how severe the effects are, so that the efficacy of treatment can be monitored as well, and so that anyone administering them can know when the poison is approaching something of vital importance. Otherwise, it's only guesswork.

[He speaks quietly but with confidence, eyes steady, unwavering in his crouch except where he digs, just once, at the skin at the base of his thumbnail with the fingers of the opposite hand.]

We must map the boundaries, Abigail. It will take time, but it is entirely viable.