He responds in manners other than the clipped fashion they've come to associate with those who progress on a plane askew; the Drifter themself has been subject to the very same, subject to and subjected to, as is requisite for those who fight and face death. They understand their fragilities. They wrap their concerns in cloth and helm, muzzle reactions that might be untoward.

In that regard, the ravaging of their vocal cords had almost been useful.

yes
illness inflicts frailty
little room for error