Coins received without much argument, Eldwic gave the man a respectful bow of thanks, before running Evalynn's way. He never bothered to argue with her father, as while he was a hard man, he paid for labor fairly, owing to him knowing its value and hardship well. With sack of rats slung over his shoulder and Larder by his side, he gave his friend a nod and a smile. Nothing like coin to put one in a good mood, after all.

"You look like you're in a hurry," he called out, grinning at her. The grin eventually dimmed, however, as he noticed the stormy look on her face. Larder seemed to smell the sadness on her, too, and she reared up on her legs, pawing at the girl. "I'm not looking to go home earlier than I have to. Father wants me to help him with the carcasses we just received. Fresh kill is one thing, but those things given him... they're foul! I told him so... but he never listens to me. So, take your time."

It was a half-lie; Eldwic found the carcasses fascinating. There was something about bodies and how they worked that captivated the lad, but he couldn't say such things out loud. Not if he didn't want to be drowned, or tried before a group of old, grizzled men who jumped at any chance to see someone hang. No, the lie was for Evalynn's benefit. Perhaps, she hoped for an ear to listen to her, or even just space to breathe.

"If you would like, I could even show you. My father's also preparing the meat we were meant to send your way - he hasn't finished carving it up, so an hour or two should pass before everything is ready." He eyed the tall man in the distance, then turned his attentions back to Evie. "I suppose we should tell him first? In... case he comes running and looking for you again. I guess he worries about you." Eldwic kicked a pebble and laughed, though the sound was mirthless. "That's nice, isn't it?"

He wanted to tell her how lucky she was - once, he'd broken an arm and gotten stuck out in the woods, nearly perishing on account of exposure and starvation. Only Evie had thought to look for him, and only she knew where he'd be, up in the trees, watching the birds.

"Oh! And we'll have to stop halfway along the road, too. I need to pick a fresh place to bury the rats. Too many in one spot brings in the wolves. Then farmer Dunstan will have my hide, when one of his sheep get their insides out again."