The support is actually welcome, for all it's unsolicited, and Lyall is trying to hear what's going on outside-- and all he's getting is a blur of noise. " ... oh. Which is why... I changed back?" And why he can't make out any details in the din, and why he can only dimly smell the snakes and the people.

He gives a weak smile, feeling a little bit like he's somehow gone deaf, and offers, "Lucky for us, I suppose. I'm not attacking you anymore, at least...."