Hushed Willows Do not presume to teach me lessons.

A sanctuary? It was not a concept he was familiar with, but he was young and inexperience welcomed such faults. Mother had not told him of the different kinds of people or their claims; his expertise remained rooted to his own people. It was curious to know of a place that welcomed strangers so easily. It would take time to determine if such a policy was a strength or a weakness. Lily introduced herself momentarily and plunged ahead with questions - these he anticipated.

My name is Cru. He answered easily.

I come from... North of here. Far north where it is always cold. It was a harsh place but a fitting one for a boy to learn survival tactics. His mother was with him in memory alone now, but she had trained him thoroughly. Whatever he learned in this place, whatever it cost him, he would succeed.