“Uh, thank ye?” the voice croaked. Rough fingers took the items, momentarily confused by Francis while the mind looked to catch up. They turned the rag over, registering that it was damp before effectively doing as they were told. Smearing the sleep from their eyes, the cool was sobering as it stirred something else. A sip, water also, the parched lips moistened as thirst was realised. It was hard to sip, mouthful swirled round before being swallowed. They watched the labourer potter about, fingers rubbing at their eyes as they began to slowly comprehend what was before them. Was he taking care of them? Whyfore? For what benefit?
“Why are you doin’ this?” the smith asked, words slow as they thumbed at the rag, “I don’t… I mean, your boss is a client of my business. You’re a worker. It’s not your job to do this?” Gale pinched their brow, inhaling deeply as the slurred and confused thoughts tried to formulate his agenda, “If it’s money you’re after I’ll cover the costs and time. Can’t do much else mind.”
Gale attempted to drag themselves up, bracing against the floor. The trembling of the legs however served as a solid deterrent to even try. So they remained where they were on the bedding, increasing levels of awkwardness and unease filtering into their stomach. Gale exhaled, the little consumed water reminding them of the other needs of the body – to sleep, to eat, to try and recover in some form.
The offer of food therefore was a good one – more so as they had seemingly currently forgotten how to take care of themselves.
“I mean, I ain’t fussy when it comes to food. Ain’t got the time to be fussy, nor the pocket either,” lips twisted, eyes staring into the bottom of their cup, “I don’t get it though. Any of it. Mean, I barely know you and ‘ere we are. And then there’s all the bull from Yaris…” A hand waved the thoughts away. The smith did not like the idea of having unsettled debts – there was enough looming over their head as it was without the owing of small, minor favours, “Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t. Just name the price and I’ll gather what I can for you.”