He had a name. A real name. The fact staggered him. For a moment, he could only stare. As she spoke he felt a very strange sensation within him. This couldn't be true. He couldn't allow himself to believe it. He was a slave. Slaves were not treated with such kindness. He was not to be a friend to this girl. He was to be her servant, or the servant of someone in the household, or a yard slave.<br/><br/>He could never answer to a name like the one she'd given him. It felt so personal. So casual. He almost felt like it was a ploy to get him to lower his guard. He was glad that he was sitting up, able to look her almost squarely in the eyes, searching her eyes for signs of the deceit he knew was there. Then he pulled his gaze to the child again. He was frustrated. They were both too skilled. He could find no sign of their true intentions.<br/><br/>He wanted to deny it, but as she brought it to his attention, he realized how very slow his thoughts were. His eyelids were heavy and full of sand. He shook his head in denial of her words despite the truth of them.<br/><br/>Then the child skipped out of the room after tossing an adorable parting sentiment. He watched her go, his expression melting into a look of fondness. He pulled his gaze back up to the girl still standing at his side. He thought her name was Kate, but he couldn't remember for sure.<br/><br/>"My lady, you may call my by whatever name you choose, of course. I am yours to call, as set forth by my former master. Do not trouble yourself with thoughts of my health. I am well enough. I will see that I am ready for whatever duties you should see fit to be trusted to me on the morrow."<br/><br/>He dipped his head to her, the best he could do by way of a bow from his current position. The motion was a mistake. He felt the room spin around him. He found it suddenly very difficult to focus on him. He saw her moving and saying like the reflected image on the surface of troubled water. He furrowed his brow with concentration, forcing back the strange sensation, and focused his gaze on her. He knew eye contact was forbidden, but he couldn't find her eyes anyway, as everything around him was still moving. To be safe, he focused on her hands.