If Bastien intends to keep the soft cheese, he might want to lift it out of Ruadh's reach. Ellis whistles him on, soft permission sending the mabari trotting ahead to nose at Bastien's boots before turning sights on other targets.

It leaves Ellis at the bottom of the stairs, looking up. But Ruadh alone isn't a sufficient response either, so he ascends as well.

There is room alongside Bastien to pass by, if need be. But Ellis halts, steps below, hands in his pockets.

"May I sit?"