Dazed, Julien follows him with his eyes, trying to think around the sensation. He's reasonably sure he's not imagining this and if there is something else he can focus on - hard to imagine right now! that's good. He flutters his wing a few more times to try and cool himself, making lightweight things nearby skid or lift off.

The athelas takes effect quite fast. Even if Julien can't quite relax it's a burden lifted. He sighs, and better able to think immediately worries. It's slow, but as Aaron feels for his pulse Julien's neck elongates just enough to pick up on.

"It's hot," he says when Aaron's finished. Valiantly attempting humor, he licks cracked lips again, though with his dry tongue it's more reflexive than anything. "Did you ever see Alien?"