The sound of splitting earth and the pressure of her hand against his back startles him - head whipping 'round to meet her gaze. He's only able to hold it there for a brief moment before another cough rampages through his body, and he's forced to turn his head away from her as another gush of water springs forth from his mouth. He inhales deeply, trying to recapture and reclaim the breath he's lost - still acutely aware of the strange woman at his side.

Closes his eyes to gather himself.

Holds one hand up in a sign of confirmed breathing status.

"Yeah, I'm all right. Well-enough, considering," he croaks in reply, voice still stretched and filtered through the water of the fountain lingering in his lungs. He clears his throat into the crook of his elbow before turning towards her, offering a small but genuine smile. "Very kind of you to be concerned." A few more breaths as he finally takes the chance to scan the area - glance around. "Where am I?"