Vax watched, and listened, until she seemed to have said as much as she'd say. He knew what he'd do if this was Pike (who probably well understood being mistaken for a kid) or Vex or Kiki or Steph. Maybe it would help here.

"...Would you let me dress your hair while we're talking? Maybe that makes me sound weird, like a creep or something. But it's what I'd want to do, if I did know you better. It's always helped me to put my thoughts in order." Leave it to the elves to make a comfort ritual out of lacing themselves even tighter.