he sits beside her on the river bank,
  feet dangling from the boulder over
  the water, and he listens. tamlen’s
  always been a marvelous listener
  when he wants to, but when it comes
  to the well being of friends… of course
  he has no option.

         the male sighs and gives the idle shake
         of his head. one hand raises to rest on
         pan’s shoulder, and by craning his body,
         he leans to look her in the eye.

  ’ giving up is not the way to go about
    things, this i’m sure you know… but
    i never thought you to be a woman
    who would think such things. you
    seem so strong… please continue
    your bravery, for many have given
    up already. ’

  ’ carry me?! are you crazy?! ’

  tamlen struggles to stand back up,
  his ankle already swollen grossly
  all the way around. he hops on
  the opposite foot to lean and try
  to grab his bow and arrow before
  the wolves show up again, but
  it only results in him toppling
  over onto the ground again.

         ’ uh– yes– yes, carrying
           me is a good idea– ’