People should be a lot of things.

Ellis' gaze lifts from Thot, beat of quiet carrying that dour thought forward. Richard does a fair amount for Ellis unasked for, often without sufficient return on his investment. It matters to Ellis, that it's acknowledged.

But as for the chickens—

"Thriving, much to their landlady's dismay."

But Ellis isn't interested in talking about the chickens.

"I need to ask a favor. What I meant to ask, after the dream, if you're in a position to hear it."