Nothing there for you to see

KORBIN

And round about his home the glory
That blushed and bloomed,

The raven boy let him speak to finish, then gave Loren a steady look. Pursed his lips, as if contemplating just keeping his thoughts to himself. But that really wasn't his way, now was it.

"Respect - and trust - is something that is earned, healer. You won't get either if you pretend to be someone you're not. Nor by treating people with silk gloves and stepping around their feelings. No one in Halo has time for that kind of game. If you want something, just come out and say it. Either people agree and help you, or they let you know why the idea sucks."

Case in point, he removed his gloves and pried open a button at the neck. Long fingers pushed aside the scarf, and showed off the layer upon layer of clothing he worse. Wool, leather and more wool was providing ample insulation against the frigid temperature. "I'm not being difficult. I say I'm not in need of help because I'm not cold. If that changes, I'll let you know." He had no intention of freezing to death, but didn't require coddling either.

"What I'm saying is, what are you trying to prove?" Sealing his clothes back up and pulling the glove back on, Korbin regarded the other man. He was older than the raven, by a few years at least, but sometimes the things he said sounded really naive.

Is but a dim-remembered story
Of the old time entombed.