Cade takes a few more deep breaths, then looks up slowly, face still red and sweaty from the exertion. His eyes are red too, the dried tears making them dry and itchy. Nonetheless, he gives a small smile, as though Zevran's words are the only thing he's wanted to hear for his entire life.

As quickly as he acknowledges his happiness, the pain drifts back into his consciousness and registers appropriately as the flaying he just received. "...ow," he observes, as though this concept is entirely novel, pulling a face to match it.