That surprises Eric as well, that trust, because he's pretty sure that he means it. He quirks an eyebrow at him, for a moment, silently taking it all in, every word that Thranduil says, before he nods. He believes him. Against all odds, whether it was through their escapades in the oxygen gardens previously or some other, more unknown act that Eric has done, he has won Thranduil's trust. He recognizes how tenuous that may be, and he will not push it.

"Then we will strengthen the bond. When you are ready," he confirms. He vaguely remembers the reactions that it received last time, and now... Now Thranduil will be receiving a second dose, and will be drinking his blood on purpose, not just because some happened to get into his mouth. "We will do this properly."