“I don’t have any other purpose here,” is the ready reply, plain and without any trace of humor to match that flicker, fleeting as it was. “Understand that I have already had a considerable amount of time to think about it.”

What a good and comfortable conversation to have over ale in the corner of an inn.

Reflecting on what he’s done, Richard lifts the second tankard to bolt half of it discreetly down after all, taking the option off the table for Ellis.

Hghh, he clears his throat and nods, chin dipped down in bristly assent. Of course he will wait.