Something about the haunted look in his eyes as he speaks of his experiences seems a little off, but Kiel ignores the feeling. [i]'Most kids start off lying about one thing or another. I can't expect him to be truthful right at the get go. I mean, on the streets, a good spin can be better than a pretty face when looking for shelter'[/i] His hands work quickly as he turns out another pancake, throwing another dollop of butter into the pan and swirling it around so it will melt quicker. [i]'And he has the kind of face that could get him a lot out there. He doesn't seem to be too hesitant about it, so I'm guessing he's be on the street for quite some time, poor thing. . . .'[/i] His thoughts trail off as Zach puts on a brave face, claiming not to be a kid. He chuckles at the boy's joke and pours the next cake.

“I know you're not a kid, but that doesn't mean I won't accidentally treat you like one on occasion. I kinda do it without thinking.” He chuckles again. “A lot of the kids in the street tease me about it. 'The youngest father they never asked for'.” He smiles down at Zach as he finishes up the last bit of breakfast an turns off the hot plate. Dumping the cookery and utensils in the sink he plops the last cake on to a separate plate and scoops on some eggs and bacon. With a wink he pours syrup over the whole mass and begins cutting the cake into pieces. “The nuns all thought I was gross as a kid, pouring syrup on anything and everything. Half the time think I did it to make them gag, but eventually I just fell in love with the taste.” He smiles warmly and begins digging in. Between bites he does his best to tell the boy his plans. 

“I have to go to morning mass in a little bit. You're free to come or to stay here. On that string, you can stay here as long as you like.” He takes a sip of milk before going on. “I don't want you to feel as if you have to stay, but I think it would be best if you stick around here for now. Whoever attacked you may know the neighborhood and will have guessed where you came after the beating. As such, it would be best, if you decide to stay, that you stay away from the front gate, or even the front yard. If they spot you, there's no guarantee that they won't be able to take you out of here before me or my order notice.” He gives the boy a reassuring look. “You're safe, as long as you stay out of sight. But you don't have to stay cooped up inside. There's a garden out back. It isn't much, but you can get some fresh air back there, and look at the flowers.” Spearing some eggs he points at his shelves with a fork. “If you promise to be careful, you can even take some books back there and read.”

Humming softly he turns to look out the window on the other side of his bed. The rain has almost stopped, the faint drizzle of rain off the roof making a curtain of little lines across the window. “It looks like the rain will stop soon, and once it dries there's a nice stone bench out there to sit on.” He turns his face back to his guest, a vary fond look in his eyes. “I've spent many a day and night back there lost in the little worlds in my beloved books. The sounds and smells really add to the experience.” With a cough he comes out of his revery. “Well, to me at least, heh.” He gives the boy a little sheepish grin.