Faolan nodded at the boy's response, focusing all of his intent on him for this conversation. He looked into the child's eyes, wanting to be sure that he was being genuine in his answers, and not only saying what the Irishman wanted to hear. He was glad at Aurel's followup statement, almost letting a smile slip from him, but holding it at bay.

[color=a36209]"Four, that's not so bad,"[/color] he said, then looked down at Aurel's legs. [color=a36209]"Where does it hurt, where is it worst?"[/color]

He watched as the boy thought for a moment, then indicated his whole leg. Finally, he settled on his thigh.

[color=a36209]"Mmm..."[/color] Faolan nodded again. This made sense, given the boy's activities. [color=a36209]"Let me explain what's happening, Aurel."[/color] He used the boy's new name as he explained, wanting to show the child that he had his own identity and could make his own choices. [color=a36209]"When you're not used to working a muscle, you go through something called atrophy. This is your muscle hardening, like a rock."[/color] He made a tight fist to illustrate his point. [color=a36209]"Trying to break a rock is really hard,"[/color] he showed this by trying to pry his fist open with his other hand, [color=a36209]"But once you open it, there's liquid inside. This liquid is acid."[/color] He knew that the child didn't understand what acid was, but he couldn't think of another word for it at the moment. [color=a36209]"Acid can sting when it touches you, and right now, your muscle is being swallowed up by it. That's why it hurts, but eventually, that acid will harden to create new muscle where there wasn't any before. You see, the pain means that you're getting stronger, and that's what we all want, hm?"[/color] He said.

He knew that this was a lot of information to give a child, especially with a language barrier, but Lucien would make everything a little easier to explain if the child didn't understand. Faolan was a firm believer in not underestimating children, sometimes they were much more intelligent than adults gave them credit for, and he wanted to make sure that this boy was given the respect he never had until now. It was the least he could do.