Kier sighed. "I don't much like doing this. More than anything because I would not like it being done to me, but it will speed things along."
The Mage held out his hand, open, for Irel to see it. But the girl would not take her face off Kier's pants leg.
"Irel," he said, "would you please take my hand?"
The girl shook her head.
"I want to look at your thoughts," said Kier.
The girl shook her head harder, even violently, rubbing her face against the fabric of Kier's clothing.
"Hey." Kier wanted Irel to look at him. She didn't. "Hey," the Mage spoke firmly, but kindness never left his tone. Irel's watery eyes turned to look at his. "I know they must be scary right now, your thoughts. But I'm Kier. I fight nightmares."