"A good analysis, lass, but I have to disagree with one or two points. I'm not a perfectionist, I just like to do things honourably. Never stab a man in the back, give people chances to explain themselves, offer a fair challenge. I like doing things honourably and I'd prefer if my foes and allies did the same. Once you break the rules of engagement, you have no honour and thus are not a worthy foe, or my ally. And I don't normally talk this much - it's just I'm used to training novices and recruits. You, my dear girl, have the potential to do well, so my inner 'drill sergeant' is surfacing. You should take that as a compliment."

"But you are right. There is pain in my past. Lot's of death, lots of blood and a betrayal that I still can't quite figure out the motive for. I was trained to survive, then I was trained to fight. I've been through tough scrapes, hard battles. But I don't think I've ever done something I should be ashamed of. Don't get me wrong, if I could change the past, there are hundreds of alterations I'd love to make, but frankly, at the time there was nothing I could do. Perhaps, you and I are kindred souls. Maybe we were destined to meet."

"I'm not entirely sure I understand the question. Looking back, most people would say I had a crap childhood. I never knew my mum or dad, just my brother. I lived on the streets, scavenged and stole to survive. But at the time, I thought it was the high life. I laughed at the nancy boys on their way to schools and tutors. I was much closer to my friends than any of them ever were. I knew, no matter what I did, at least someone would have my back. My story is one of a great many, each with their own minor alterations. I was just lucky I made the right decisions at the right time. I should really be dead by now. But I ain't, and for that, I'm thankful."

Corvus smiled, looking at the girl to his side. "Oh? Is that a challenge? That's a shame, miss, because whilst you haven't really seen my abilities and proficiencies, I have seen yours. Tell you what, when you get your blade back from whoever happens to be repairing it, I'll show you first-hand my fighting skills."