"You'd like that, wouldn't you." It wasn't a question. Or called for, really. But he knew it was at least part of how Seel felt about him. Maybe it was most of it. It certainly seemed that way. In Seel's place, he might have felt the same way. He'd need to be much more careful than he had been--if Seel hit bone he couldn't let him see it. And Seel would certainly try.

He hesitated a moment before he offered a hand to Seel, not really expecting him to take it. It was a peace offering--he could have left Seel there and expected him to follow, or not follow, whichever it was the place would let them do.

"Come on. I'm finished out here."