"Mael."
A dark-haired youth picked his head up at the sound of a voice, a brief scowl falling across his features. "What?" he said, not quite testy, but a surly note to his tone all the same. His companion was an older man, whose hair was, if anything, still darker--- the glossy black of a raven's wing, and dressed to match.
He studied the youth for a moment, as if making his mind up about something, then said, "When were you born?"
"Me?" Surprise softened Mael's usual look of annoyance. For a moment, he looked as though he were seriously considering the question. Then, with a shrug, he said, "Don't know. Forgot. The people who kept me didn't know either."
The man, Qual, looked pained by his response, despite the offhanded way that he had said it. "Do you really not remember anything from before you were captured?"
"No."
"Then..." Qual thought for a moment. "We could name today your birthday, if you like. At least until we can find your mother, and..." He trailed off, unsure as to how to finish his sentence.
Mael shrugged again. "Sure. Do what you want," he said.
It was Qual's turn to look surprised. He hadn't expected Mael to acquiesce so easily. "Very well. Come with me, then. There is a place I want to show you..."
[Requesting one Valkyrie Yonyuu, one Timeless Nyghtmare, one Chow Sleepyheart, and an Aquamarine Stargoyle. Also requesting a Papillon Fenling as per staff perk] {Gifts shipped}