He managed a humourfull smile as he looked to Maki, and held up his hand apologetically, "I am sorry, Good Lady Maki.  It is something that has often put me at odds with those of my calling who follow a more political avenue.  Conversation has never been my strong suit."  He avoided the courts and balls of the Nobility, and too often spoke his mind and voiced his opinions, often offending those he considered useless or corrupt.<br/><br/>Then he was looking to little Shera, grinning warmly.  "Well, I've never had a sister before.  Not that I've known of at least.  I was an orphan, raised in the Saint Casteel monastery.  Warrior monks, hence my present state."  He wasn't quite sure what went on between Maki and Shera, he didn't suspect her the type to try and sabotage his efforts in the upcoming Trials.<br/><br/>He straightened in his seat almost uncomfortably at Maki's final question, and met her gaze with a hint of regret.  "I do appologize if they offend.  I am well aware they are not kind to the eye.  All sorts of aches and pains when the rains come."  Indeed the worst of his scars undoubtedly caused him at least some form of discomfort, from damaged muscles or even chipped bones over his many years of campaigning.<br/><br/>"I had only been Knighted a year.  I was young.  Foolish, not quite arrogant perhaps but...well certainly overconfident.  A Wizard, practitioner of the darker arts of the trade.  I still do not believe he thought of what he did to me as torture.  An evil man, certainly, but...clinical.  Research in dark magics and arcane surgeries.  It only lasted a few months, and in the end allies rescued me and we ruined his rituals and managed to slay him.  I was wracked by black magics for weeks afterwards, and thanks to the tender care of the Clerics of the Angelique Sisterhood I survived untainted."<br/><br/>It was an unpleasant tale, and a far worse experience, but it was also the source of much of his confidence and stability, his determination.  It was a singular event that had forged him into the man he was today.