He first looked to Kate, blinking in surprise, then nodded his head to her. As before, his voice was firm, somehow elegant as he addressed her.<br/><br/>"Milady, I apologize for having neglected to answer the question you asked without explaining why. I give no name because there is none to give. Scythe is all I was ever called. My former mistress called me Slave, or Boy, or Worm.... depending on her mood. If it pleases you, I would hold no objection should you decide to choose a different name for me."<br/><br/>Before she could answer, the child spoke and he politely turned his attention to her. He was already feeling the slight weight of fatigue, but he refused to let it show. He had slept far too much. He could not serve in his condition, but he would do what he could. The least he could do was allow them to relieve their curiosity, and engage in conversation.<br/><br/>"You wish to fight, little one? It is not a skill which can be easily or quickly mastered. You will need dedication and patience. I will do what I can to teach you the discipline you will need. Does that please you?"<br/><br/>He carefully arranged himself as he spoke, so that his arms and legs were positioned in such a way as to create the least amount of pain. He couldn't remember ever having been hurt this badly. It wore at his patience. He itched to get up and be productive, fighting with the natural fear that he would be whipped for doing nothing.