I'd not, actually; it was in fact a death by illness, which is always rather miserable in the lead-up.

[At a certain point, even an Ascian's strength cannot compete against the weight of an aged mortal body. Or perhaps it was intentional, a ceding-of-ground at a time when the chaos would be highest. Unless she were to ask, he will not tell.

He listens to her story, instead, frowning. If her embrace is too tight, he does not complain, tightening one arm just a touch around her shoulders in turn.]

It may. Many such fears lose their teeth when confronted.