Mhavos takes a moment to consider that, and the echo of a smile passes over his expression. "I'd rather be here, in this current circumstance, than in Orlais."
It's a very clear illustration of how unfavorable conditions are in Orlais that being cut open in an elderly man's basement is the better option.
"I understand."
Even without knowing the whole of Mhavos' life, the sentiment checks out. His elbow nudges lightly at Mhavos' in unspoken affirmation, some small bit of contact to carry over affection that Ellis doesn't exactly know how to phrase.
"A few months ago, I had considered returning to..." A trailing pause, while Ellis tries to think of a neat word to describe his duty. "Warden affairs," is what he settles on, a glossy phrase that is somewhat divorced from the reality of rooting out blight and darkspawn where they're found.
"But I came to a similar conclusion as well. If I left, I wouldn't see any of my friends here again."
His gaze is very direct.
"Fortunate I stayed, or I would have missed your return."
Maybe. Mhavos had called it personal, but Ellis supposes there's some aspect of it related to the mission, or some aspect of it that could be of use to them in writing up a report about this mission.
"I have a book in my pack. Would you mind if I sat up with it here, by you, until you finished?"
Mhavos' eyes drift closed, but open again immediately, a warm smile beneath them. "Their upkeep, or symbolism? I remember some fuss about the language of flowers, last I was in Riftwatch."
"I could read them aloud for you now, if you want."
They aren't hard to find, marked out in the table of contents as highlights within the chapter. It's not the sort of book where it matters if it's read out of order.
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"Maybe so."
But still.
"This is the wrong time to say this," Ellis says, slow around the sentiment as the smile ebbs. "But I'm glad you returned."
Perhaps something better said when they haven't just dragged themselves through an atrocity.
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"I understand."
Even without knowing the whole of Mhavos' life, the sentiment checks out. His elbow nudges lightly at Mhavos' in unspoken affirmation, some small bit of contact to carry over affection that Ellis doesn't exactly know how to phrase.
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"Because the alternative," he says carefully, "was to never see my companions and acquaintances again."
'Friend' is a word he's very careful of. He considers Ellis a friend, but he's hesitant to say so, and risk rejection.
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"But I came to a similar conclusion as well. If I left, I wouldn't see any of my friends here again."
His gaze is very direct.
"Fortunate I stayed, or I would have missed your return."
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He sets the thought aside patiently. No point in getting caught up in such things now. He's straining himself enough just staying awake.
"Then I am doubly pleased." He says, "this work... I'd not give it up for anything, nor the company."
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Maybe. Mhavos had called it personal, but Ellis supposes there's some aspect of it related to the mission, or some aspect of it that could be of use to them in writing up a report about this mission.
"I have a book in my pack. Would you mind if I sat up with it here, by you, until you finished?"
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He gets back to reading, and proves he can speak while he writes: "What are you reading?"
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"Wysteria's Satinalia gift to me," he explains. "It's about floriculture."
So not the most gripping reading material, but.
"I used to have some interest in plants, when I was younger."
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The expression on Mhavos' face is encouraging, more at ease than he had been when Ellis had sat down.
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They aren't hard to find, marked out in the table of contents as highlights within the chapter. It's not the sort of book where it matters if it's read out of order.
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gently places a bow on this thread y/y?
"Alright."
And softly, as bidden, he begins to read.