[It's a lot for anyone to say, and to say with such conviction and sincerity. Kit looks up from the floor to watch Yngvi speak, hearing him clearly even with only one functioning ear... and it's the last bit that really digs into his skin and pulls at him in a way nothing else has. No, he didn't walk away, did he? Not then, and rather miraculously considering his track record, he hasn't walked away now, either.

Is that just because Yngvi still needs him, still needs support that no one else is giving him, or because Kit himself is past his need to run? He rather doubts it's the latter--certainly Vandelin hadn't believed him capable of staying, or else he'd have--

No. Not now.

He reaches across the space between them and clasps Yngvi's shoulder kindly; when he smiles, it's a pained expression, but it's sincerely meant.] ..thank you, [is all he manages to say, a little hoarsely.] Thank you, salroka, for saying those things. I...

[Ancestors, he's a wreck, isn't he?]

I've always got your back, Yngvi. I promise.