Kate was happy to have Alyx take over. She and Reika helped fill the tub with snow and ice sickles that hung over the balcony and roof. They used shovels from the fireplaces from the room across the hall. Mat was quiet and seemed to accept the care given to him. Having Alyx there was comforting. He had taken care of his old friend and managed to keep Alyxander alive with fresh killed and tended to his wounds from beatings and battle. Matt slipped in an out consciousness. At times he thought he was in the cells and spoke in both common and Neko. Over the next week Kate learned more of the horrors and moments of compassion that the two men shared. They had a bond that Kate had never seen before. She realized that Matt could not survive being outside his status. He was born into the institution and knew no other life. This upset Kate and she would have to depend on Alyx as to the young man's fate. Once night when Alyx was in a deep sleep of one of her dreams. She talked with Alyx. "He is not as strong as you are emotionally or physically. Will he serve you for the rest of his life?"