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Sam goes still, staring at Harry. Just Harry, the boy who helped pull him out. His lips press together, hard enough they go pale.
"Wittebane," he says, voice a little choked.
"Wittebane," he says, voice a little choked.
He lets go of the crutch at last, then winces when it clatters to the floor.
"Your uncle is... him as owns the mines," he says, the words coming out with an effort. "Sir... who do you think I owe?"
"Your uncle is... him as owns the mines," he says, the words coming out with an effort. "Sir... who do you think I owe?"
The clatter makes him flinch.
"I-- I know that, but..."
But seeing Sam before him, halfway to recoiling because he knows who Harry is, the sudden deference, makes him feel nauseous. Is this really how people see him, when they know who he is?
"You- you don't deserve this," he says weakly, gesturing to Sam. As he doubles over to pick up the crutch, and hand it back.
"I-- I know that, but..."
But seeing Sam before him, halfway to recoiling because he knows who Harry is, the sudden deference, makes him feel nauseous. Is this really how people see him, when they know who he is?
"You- you don't deserve this," he says weakly, gesturing to Sam. As he doubles over to pick up the crutch, and hand it back.
"What's deserve got t'do with it?" Sam frowns, anxiety bright behind his eyes. But he goes on anyway. "I'm still payin' off my trip here. Haven't even touched what I owe fer room n'board the years I've been here. An' this-" He gestures with his head to the hospital bed. "I'll be payin' this too."
I understand Kikimora hurt you. I’m sorry. I’m her Warden. My name is Bright. Did she tell you why she was making a mess of the place?
She was upset, I don' need apologies. She's right furious at somethin', 'at much was clear. Told me as she didn' owe anyone her thoughts.
Yeah she doesn't generally feel safe sharing her feelings. Had you talked to her before? Before that incident, I mean?
A time or two. I've kept an eye out - we've a few things in common, an' I'd like to see her safer. An' a sight happier.
I'd like that too. Do you work in the dining hall, Sam?
I'd like to ask you a favour. Once Kikimora is feeling a bit better, I'd like her to make up for what she did. Would you be willing to teach her the job you do to prepare the buffet she wrecked? Let her help you for a few days?
[Samwise makes a soft sound, considering in his throat.] That'd be very fine, I think. An' I'm prob'ly the best person she could work in th'kitchen with - it ain't designed for either of us, but I'm in the habit of makin' do.
I appreciate your kindness, sir. That's going to make a bigger impact on her than a thousand punishments.
Far's I see it, we're all here t'be the kindness someone needs.
I agree. Thank you. I'll contact you to set something up when she's ready.
On the back of the clearly hand-drawn card, he has printed the date (Dec 28) and time, as well as the location - the Enclosure.
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