Ellis tips his head back out of Thot's reach, gamely allowing the poke of her little toes to prod at the underside of his chin. Grasping fingers limited to chin and throat, a generous prospect surely.

It does affect the angle at which he can study Richard, but needs must.

"I don't."

Because the alternatives are common areas and his own quarters, and Ellis is aware of his own need for an exit route. (One which even includes leaving the entire island for Kirkwall proper, if it comes to that.)

"I've finished here, for the time being."

True enough. The yard has quieted, with the exception of what sounds like a mage having at the targets on the far side beyond the armory. But that's not something Ellis can assist with, and is thus not for him to worry about. He tips his head toward the towers. Lead on.