"She says she wants to talk to the 'crazy guy,'" said Ina.
She had been the first to hear Irel crying and had hurried to hold her, tell her that she was OK. After a brief exchange Kier could not hear, Ina walked back to tell him what the girl wanted.
"Not really an option. Go back and convince her you can adequately comfort her."
"She's asking for you, you crazy bastard"
"She might as well be asking for salt on a bleeding wound."
"Would you please not be Kier for a few seconds and tell me what you mean clearly?"
"I know I make people uncomfortable with what I say." Kier looked down. Perhaps for the first time since Ina met the Mage, he slouched, as if nervous or ashamed. "I don't want to make her feel worse because I'm improper when I talk."