“I’m alive, ain’t I?” I answered. “I’ll be fine. Not the worst that’s happened, trust me.“

“If that’s not the worst, then what is?” I’d finally found a way to settle, and I immediately stood back up and drew back to hit him. I relaxed and sat back down, smiling warmly, probably scaring him.

“You’re quite the nosy little scribe, aren’t you? Can’t go five seconds without asking a question.”

“I was just curious.”

“Curiosity,” I warned, “will get you nowhere. Believe me.”

“You? Why should I believe you?”

“Have I told you the wrong thing before?” I asked.

“I’ve only known you a few hours.”

“That’s what you think.”