[Dezel isn't expecting any affection in return. That's not how Dezel works, and that's not how kindness works, either. He gives what he can give without asking for a damned thing, except for in the case of the pact... but that was so, so long ago. And it ended up being a different sort of situation, anyway. He lets Sorey's hair be after a minute and turns his attention back to hiking up these steps. They're in no hurry, so there's no need to tire either of them out.

But the former Shepherd murmurs Dezel's name, and he feels a shiver travel through him-- a joyous, instinctual thrill. It's paired with a soft gasp he doesn't even notice. No one has called him that name in a long, long time. It's a part of himself he let die with Rose... but when Sorey says it, he feels himself come alive.]

S-- Sorey, [he stammers, a bit less composed than he'd like. He might be blushing. He has forgotten what that's like, too.

God, he's embarrassed. Time to change the subject.]

So, when we're out you'll probably need a little while to recover. Elysia's probably the best place to go... It hasn't changed in centuries and it's close.