He lightens up a bit and he smiles, talking about the child. "Oh Kiki. He's a nestling. About eight years old. He's my student and disciple. I raised him when he was an infant and taught him everything I knew. I turned thirteen when I found him. He's an orphan. He's very smart and bright."

But then grimly, "It seems not too long ago that I left him before I died." And it's best if she turned away.

With difficulty changing the subject, "But I want to. Get you flowers in this place. I could not find any, so I'll draw you from memory. I'll try."