if you see something, say nothing

Truthfully, Aesop cared little about the youth's wanderings, and the question had only been polite. Diplomacy and scouting- the hallmarks of the outrider- did not fall within his realm of expertise. Nor his interest. But there was something to be said for his relief. Though he felt little true responsibility for Atreyu, he was pleased for him. Nothing settled a yearling down like some good old responsibility.

He raised a brow at Atreyu's protest, more or less able to see through teasing. In response, Aesop continued to dig at the ground beneath the plant, uncovering more of the root system. "Is it?" he asked, frowning, then grinning at the follow up. "Glad to see it won't be missed. I'd hate to miss out on another addition to my growin' poison collection." Of course, the plant wasn't poisonous. Its roots were harmless unless you were a headache, in which case it was anything but. Or, was it stomach aches?

"I never got your name."