Noose accepts all pats as his due. Ellis would say the dog is spoiled, but who could begrudge him the attention?

Ellis watches the dog lean his full weight into Holden before shaking violently and trotting further into the stable. He thinks to whistle him back, but leaves the dog be. Noose would come back if he were inclined. He's been sticking close to Ellis, but Ellis know from experience that Noose only enjoys company for so long.

"You're the right person for it," Ellis says, one hand resting on the warm leather of the saddlebags as he examines the horse in question. "She's handsome. What is she called?"