"Part of his soul?" he asked, even as he rose to his feet. He watched her even as he went to the fire to get the kettle and pour the tea, not out of suspicion, but respect, and curiosity. When he came back to the table, he was carrying two cups of tea- his questions had not gotten him kicked out of her cave yet, and it seemed that he would not be removed in the near future.

"Please, explain." he said, setting the cup down on the table in front of her with a gentle thump, and waiting patiently for her reply.