Wallis went for the bucket because Mason was just staring, seemingly at war with himself. If the large man had to guess he didn't imagine he and Lex had worked anything out through the night. They both seemed rested at least, which would be good considering they were going to have plenty to do that day. He didn't think they'd said a word to each other in the time it took him to fill two buckets with cool, fresh water and lugged them up to the bedroom. He set them down without sloshing them around, their weight inconsequential to a man like Wallis. He and Mason left Lex after but they took the rifle with them on the way out, as instructed.<br/><br/>Forest's chest was dotted with more of the same purple mottling that didn't wipe away with the swipe of the wet cloth. The farmer was vaguely aware of what he was doing, even tried to assist when Lex removed his shoes. He resisted drifting back off again, at least right away.<br/><br/>“Determined to trick y'all so I might get a day off,” Forest joked, trying to laugh. It was raspy but dry, even when it broke out into a cough. He leaned over for a second, away from Lex as his breath evening back out and he settled again. He rested for a few seconds, closing his eyes, but was determined to have Lex take down some things that couldn't be ignored. The barn being cleaned, the garden getting tended and watered. The rest of the fence line checked. The animals brought back in before the sun went down, horses in the stall, the sheep herded just into the open area of the barn. Listen to Bruce. He'd know the routine. Lex got some water into him shortly after and Forest couldn't fight dozing any longer.<br/><br/>The other two returned a few hours later, covered in sweat and dirt. Wallis reported that they'd taken the limb down, got the fence secured, and trimmed some of the trees back that he imagined might be a problem later on. All with a hand saw. Wallis inquired about Forest, glad to hear the farmer was resting. They ate lunch and quenched their thirst before going back out with the second half of the list of things to do. Mason was grumbling a bit, wanting to take a break but Wallis didn't want to be out trying to finish up in the dark.<br/><br/>“Least we can do seeing as he's kept us fed and comfortable the last couple of days,” Wallis pointed out.<br/><br/>Forest was awake again when Lex went back to his bedroom, sitting up hunched over. He was relieved to hear that they hadn't managed to tear the entire fence down while he slept. It took some coaxing to keep him in the bed. He refused to go back to sleep though, pointing over towards the chairs set beside the window. He had Lex help him up and over to one, and then had him open the window to get some fresh air into the bedroom.<br/><br/>“This'll pass,” Forest told him reassuringly. “Thank you. You've done more than enough today. All of you have. Sit, please. Stop hoverin'”