If only Erichthonios truly knew how valued he is in this moment. Though, as good as he is with words, Themis still struggles to decide where a good place to start is.

It's definitely a proposition of sorts. He knows what he's suggesting and what such intimacy also suggests... but what other choice do they have right now? He is certainly not handing the son of the great Lahabrea, and his own dear companion, off to some unworthy person (whether they're whole of soul or not). This, surely, is his new duty now, to protect his people and keep them from harm.

"Our collaborative work in the past was always favorable. Of course I am more than willing." Themis answers in his clinical, professional sort of way. But a moment later, he pauses, studying Erichthonios briefly before his free hand comes to rest upon their joined fingers. "And. I do not know that I could bear seeing you in the hands of another. I lost you once ..." Twice, really, if you count his final goodbye and then later the loss of Erichthonios in his memory altogether. Either way, he isn't letting him go again. More words perhaps that won't be understood, but Themis means them wholeheartedly nonetheless.