"I am hardly afraid of breaking a ludicrous rule," Xanril replied coolly, turning around fully, arms folded. He was not one to be called a coward by anyone, especially over fairytales. "However, the people of the village speak of monsters that lurk across this river, ones that would see me as a meal, rather then a playmate. You can hardly blame me for being wary." The reasoning was sound, but even so, it mad him angry that this child was calling him a coward. He was a grown man, and he was not going to be called a coward, not by this boy, nor anyone else.<br/><br/>"I have no interest in playing with you," he continued, stepping into the water, shivering slightly at the coolness of it, "As I have far more important things to do. Even so, I will prove to you that I am capable of tending to myself, and hardly afraid of superstition." Few more steps, and he was halfway across, hesitating for only a moment as he stood waist deep in the water. If he pressed on, according to the law, he was no longer the responsibility of the village, and whatever those creatures were, be they nagas or the like, would be free to have their way with him unless he could cross back over again.<br/><br/>"As you can see," he finally stated, standing on the rocky bank of the river. "I am no coward. Now, child, I will leave you to your games."