“You've likely never seen bouts of cold like we do,” Malta muttered, crossing his arms over his wide chest and looking solemnly at his brother, laying so weak and frail. Beyond help, though Malta had been hopeful when the little elf looked at the dying body. Nothing was ever so simple. They knew the sickness was a cold weather illness, but so far the survivors were few and far between.<br/><br/>“Most that come out of it don't regain themselves. He's too far gone, I know that. If there was a way to help it would do him no service.” But there were others, still in the early stages, and so far they'd mostly only been able to help the sick die. Experimental medicine was conducted, but nothing remotely successful. What was worse was watching capable men beat it only for their body and mind to be too damaged to live a productive life. Alrians prided themselves on hard work. It was painful to witness the downfall of someone so intimately known, all their dignity washed away with something no one could seem to explain.<br/><br/>Malta said his final goodbyes, promising to remember the man for what he was. He didn't get emotional, already having grown used to the process. They'd spoken their peace long before the man was too far gone to communicate coherently. All Malta could do now was continue strong, follow orders set for him and protect their borders.<br/><br/>“Come on. We need to speak with Vahit,” Malta said, leading the elf out of the way of the sick ward. The medic closed the tent pointedly on their way out. He led him in front, taking notice of the curious gazes the little foreigner earned.<br/><br/>“What's this?” one soldier asked, though rumor would have likely already spread. “The General going to share with more than just you before sending him to where he belongs?” He was looking at Malta.<br/><br/>“I don't think anything has been decided,” Malta told him, gazing at the man from the corner of his eye, hand in the crook of the little elf's elbow. For now, a gesture of possession even if Malta didn't make the decisions. The fellow was trying to gauge Malta. Just because nothing had been decided didn't mean he couldn't toss a friend a bone. Others had shared prisoners in the past before even reporting to Vahit. It didn't seem Malta was so generous. There was a bit of tension but the large man was well respected and those that didn't had good reason to be weary of him. Malta was a calm and patient man, friendly, but when he was serious about something most knew better than to argue with him. The other soldier nodded.<br/><br/>“I'll remember this,” he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Malta snorted, moving them along to reach his general. They had more to discuss than whose bed the little elf would be warming.<br/><br/>General Vahit hadn't looked like he'd slept much but he smiled at Malta when he entered.<br/><br/>“I take it you had a better night than I?” he asked, looking the little Khry over. Wrapped up. Malta was generous with him as he imagined the soldier had been during the night as well. Not a man of violence. Not a man to gush over the details either like some of the others. Instead, he got to the point, gestured the little elf closer to the fire.<br/><br/>“He's agreeable. Obedient, even if part of it is from fear, but I think he understands the situation he's in. Now, I'm not saying desperation wouldn't provoke him, but I'd think he'd need reasonable cause to be a problem.” Malta chose his words carefully.<br/><br/>Vahit raised his brow.<br/><br/>“Malta, are you claiming you're in favor of keeping him around?”<br/><br/>“It could never be my decision, I am only providing you with information to make yours.” They were looking at one another, and Vahit gestured for the elf to come over to him.<br/><br/>“Speak plainly, Malta. We're friends. There is no question of your well placed respect.”<br/><br/>Malta considered this a moment, then finally got to the real matter at hand.<br/><br/>“He has medical knowledge. Maybe not knowledge of our own ailments, but he provides a different perspective. I.. just think it would be a waste to kill him if there is potential for him to be useful.”<br/><br/>“Oh,” Vahit said. “And here I'd thought you'd taken a personal fancy to him. He truly isn't your type after all then is he?”<br/><br/>“That has nothing to do with it. I would never ask that resources be expended just to keep something so selfishly for myself.”<br/><br/>“Mmm,” Vahit was smiling, though didn't quite believe the little elf hadn't left some impression on the too generous soldier. He bunched a corner of the fur covering into his hand, not allowing the elf to back away when he turned his full gaze onto him.<br/><br/>“Did you seduce my man or do you actually possess a skill that might be useful to us?”<br/><br/>Malta looked alarmed but Vahit wasn't angry.