A nod. Ellis' hand lifts, passes carefully from Thot's shoulder to hip, repeats again in a steady loop of movement. There's nothing to be said on it that they haven't already discussed in the dream.

There's no other need to clarify what Richard knows: Ellis cares for them very much. That's as true in this moment as it had been in that dream.

Nothing is said. Ellis' attention hooks on Thot for a moment, perhaps gathering himself, considering a response.

"Can I ask you something about your shard?"

As if the best way to handle the confusion and persistent observation of his feelings is to catapult towards a completely different topic.