It would all be very believable, had Ellis not come across Bastien beneath a tree in a courtyard and sat alongside him quietly there.

But Ellis had seen him there. And he does not believe Bastien when he says this is an easy thing Ellis has asked of him.

His hand catches Bastien's elbow, holds on for a moment to stall their movements while Whiskey goes snuffling on ahead of them. His grip flexes there, sturdy and firm without bruising pressure. Ellis should say something. A better apology. A promise to return. Something.

But no. All he has to offer is the expression on his face, intent, creased with worry, as he says, "Thank you, then. For holding them both for me. I'll try to see to it that you needn't carry them for very long."