Rather than make assurances, Ellis gathers himself and descends from his room in the Gallows out to the stables.

Even if Bastien weren't present, it'd be easy to mark out which horse is his based off the sparse description. Crossing the stable, he lifts the loaned book, The Life of Katrin Lindner, in his hand for Bastien's benefit.

"I'd meant to come find you, horse or no," he says, drawing up alongside Bastien. "I haven't finished the other yet."