"I suppose that is sensible," Essek grumbles. Though he wants nothing more than to curl up and sleep, he forces himself up onto his knees again to reach for the bag packed with food. Hardly the most extravagant meal he's ever eaten, but it's sustenance, and currently that is all he needs.

He sits back against Percy's side as he eats, leaning against his flank and occasionally offering him bits of meat, which he lets him lick from his fingers. Despite all of the exertion, he can't stomach too much at the moment, but suspects he'll likely be very hungry in the morning.

Before long his eyelids become too heavy to consider doing anything but closing them, and he arranges himself against the wolf much as they had been previously. Once Percival curls around him, he's enveloped in warmth and white fur. The rise and fall of the great wolf's chest against his back as he breathes is incredibly comforting.

"I love you," he murmurs, soft with drowsiness. "Thank you for sharing this with me." A first for both of them.