[ Again, Asra's fingertips curled, gliding along the backs of Cehd'ra's fingers, his knuckles. He watched Cehd'ra's eyes, smiling faintly. ]

I... hope so? I know I can sometimes be a burden, causing more trouble than I solve by sticking my nose where it's not wanted.

[ And vanishing frequently without a word, making an imposition of himself, acting without asking... Why anyone tolerates him for more than a day or two is profoundly beyond his ability to understand.

But at the second statement, his smile froze in place, like an iced-over butterfly. Still there, still pretty, but coldly lifeless. ]

.... yes. The Count... lifted me off the streets, when I was young.

[ Literally threw his cloak over Asra's head and captured him like a wild bird. Asra's fingers flexed, wanting to tighten into fists; but the movement was just a tremble before he smoothed them out again, taking a slow breath. ]

He died, a few years ago. My freedom came at the same moment, and all I can think about his passing is good riddance.

One less blight on the world.