He's holding his breath nearly the whole way down, his skin clammy in the man's grip. When his feet finally touch solid ground, he can't quite mask the way his shoulder slump with the relief of it.

"I agree whole-heartedly. I shall be taking the stairs from now on. Indefinitely."

And, much as it stings his pride to have to do so, he feels honor bound to add, "Thank you for your help. I hate to think how long I may have been stuck there without your assistance."