Harklas jumped back in astonishment as the whip cracked in front of him. What, does the lady think she's a circus ringleader? Of all the ringleaders he's met in his days, this one would probably be his least favorite. Clipping his wings seems a bit counterproductive, doesn't it?<span style="font-style: italic">Surely</span>he wouldn't try to fly away. As Ryder finished her speech, Harklas began to loosen back up again. Food? Who really needs food anyway? Surely he could find some rocks to snack on down there. Beds weren't really of concern to him either. What use are beds to a stone statue? If his master was trying threaten him, she needs to put some effort into it instead of just flailing that whip around.<br/><br/>So he one out there fighting tomorrow, wonderful. Harklas needed some exercise, his joints where still achy from sitting around in primary school all those days. Enough sitting to last a lifetime, he just couldn't pay attention. No wonder his grades were...subpar. The master eyed him with the same cold look the teachers used to give him. Why, they where practically one and the same, only this one was a bit more...open. Direct. She probably wouldn't appreciate his sense of humor, just as the teacher didn't. She's probably in it for the money. What a waste. You can't exactly buy a sense of humor, it's more of an in-born thing.<br/><br/>Regardless, the fun quotient would probably fall even lower if he said all this to her face. Surely that taught him something of etiquette back in primary school? To be honest, he spent most of the time ignoring his lectures to make slingshots, paper airplanes, the like. He decided to mimic the farm boy as best he could, choking out as much singsong from his voice as he possibly could.<br/>"Of course, ma'am." Perfect. He sounded just like one of those stern soldiers he'd seen patrolling the streets. He turned and followed Jason out of the room.<br/><br/>When they were out of earshot from Ryder, Harklas let out in a hushed voice, "No hard feelings, nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition, yes?" His voice fluctuated between highs and lows. Maybe this one would be a bit more likable? It wouldn't be hard, if he had any sense of humor. The air of this place was stagnant and heavy, he needed to lighten it up a bit.