Ocean's Breath Plateau ice plant

He tried to accommodate, his mood lightened only slightly, tenuously by the familiar nickname and none at all by the promise not to joke. He wanted Chakliux to joke! It meant that he still could. It pained him to forbid any topic that brought a smile to the man's face, but in this, he felt his hands were tied.

"Good," he said, still more surly than was usual for him. He was adamant when he said, "I need you here."

He settled down a little, comforted by this reassurance even if it had been said as much to comfort Chakliux as himself.

"Let them tend you, my friend," he murmured, "You have done much for them. I am sure they are grateful if there is anything they can do to help ease your discomfort. That is what love is."

Although he was more certain they all wished to see him better more than anything else.

"What can I do for you?" he asked. Pleaded.