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[devoutish]

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[devoutish]

All right. You'll help carry them?

[bywolves]

Yeah. I can help. You can't carry them.

[devoutish]

I can still carry you, if you need it.

[bywolves]

I don't know. I can try to walk.

[devoutish]

I don't mind carrying you.

[bywolves]

It doesn't matter. [ He closes his eyes for a moment. ] Whatever you want to do.

[devoutish]

I ache to hear you say that.

[He leans into Royce's shoulder.]

I know I've said so before, but you, with your strong will and opinions--

[bywolves]

[ He's quiet for a while. ]

I was strong enough for Manzant, but this. This - this place. [ His voice breaks. ] I'm so tired. There's so much. I can't - I can't dig my way out from under it.

[devoutish]

I know, I know.

[He takes Royce's hand, holding it to his cheek.]

I do understand, I do; I feel it, too.

[bywolves]

The poisoning doesn't help. [ He sighs out, shakily. ] It covers everything and makes it so much worse.

[devoutish]

[He turns his head, kissing the inside of Royce's wrist.]

[bywolves]

[ Royce curls up against his side, trying to provide some sort of comfort in return. He always feels so horrible, taking and taking, but this is all he can do to tread water. ]

We... we should walk back soon.

[devoutish]

Yeah.

[He tucks Royce a little closer.]

I'd like to smell the bread a bit longer. Just a bit longer.

[bywolves]

Okay. [ Royce murmurs, setting the bread down on top of a blanket so he can halfway climb into Alfie's lap. ] In a little while.

[devoutish]

It's not just for you, you know.

[He says, pulling him up the rest of the way.]

I like having you close like this.

[bywolves]

I know. [ He hides his face against Alfie's neck. ] It's the only way I can comfort you some days.

[devoutish]

And it is a comfort. Don't you think it's not.

[bywolves]

... Love you.

[devoutish]

I love you too, moye serdtse.

[bywolves]

[ He pulls his knees to his chest. ] What does that mean?

[devoutish]

"My heart". It's Russian.

[bywolves]

[ There's a pause, and then Royce hiccups, with a sniff. ]

I don't know the Elvish for that.

[devoutish]

That's all right.

[He pats Royce's hand.]

I know you care for me.

[bywolves]

[ He'll go quiet for a while after that, zoning out and trying to soak up as much warmth as he can. ]

[devoutish]

[And Alfie will sit, smelling the bread... until he realizes that he's in very near danger of dozing off.]

All right. Come on.

[Gently, he starts to ease Royce off of his lap.]

Let's bring that bread with us.