[ Thirteen. Aeons, he's so young. When Ratio was thirteen, he'd still been tucked away in the safety of his home, beginning his studies of post-graduate subjects despite his enrollment in secondary school. And considering their age gap, Ratio would have been fifteen or sixteen by this memory's occurrence. Already would have proven Rond's Conjecture, and started his studies at the University of Veritas Prime.

The vast difference in childhood experiences makes his heart ache fiercely for Aventurine. He should have been safe with his family still. Not that Sigonia-IV had been any sort of hospitable place, but he shouldn't have had to fight for his life like this.

The smile Kakavasha receives in return for his boast is melancholic, though the scholar does his best to disguise the sorrow he feels for the young boy. ]

You're... [ incredible. Outstanding. Inspiring. So many words he could use but none could truly encapsulate how he feels about Aventurine. ] ...astounding. Beyond expectations. I have always admired you for your resilience and resourcefulness.

[ He comes closer, now that the other slave has died, and places a hand on Kakavasha's head. ]

Though it is not by your will that you are sharing this with me, I consider it a privilege to have this chance.

[ This Kakavasha may not understand what he's saying, but his Kakavasha will. ]