Mudminnow River nobody blames you

She studies him for a few long moments, he feels her eyes like white-hot stars boring in to him. Finally, when she speaks, it is clear that she doesn't trust him. Trust is earned, so he cannot begrudge her some caution. He expects her to be wary now that he knows her story better.

I like to work, he responds, speaking honestly although it doesn't answer her question. If he wanted work for work's sake, he'd hurry up and align himself with the weaklings of the valley with their sniveling children. He fought because it was all he knew and all he craved. One day the world would know him, his name would be indelible in the minds of those that come after him.

I want to be known. I came here to earn a name — ah, it is a custom for my people to transition from their given name to a warrior's name — but I find I cannot do that in this place. It pains me to see people not living their fullest life — that is all I want. Tulimaq doesn't want to get too deep here, and his voice gradually falls away to silence.

He doesn't know if he can convince her.