4: On Names
(Aun and Chax walk off through a barren landscape.)
Aun (thinks): I’d better be careful!
Chax (thinks): I’d better be careful!
Aun (thinks): He’s way too quiet now. I’m not sure I buy all that stuff about self doubt... Then again, there’s a lot I don’t know about myself, or the Strasmin way...
Chax (thinks): He helped me, but he may still be a foe! Perhaps the craisht was right! This could be a ruse to gain data about the Oistrem and weaken us!
Aun (thinks): Cha! This is silly!
Aun: What’s your name?
Chax (thinks): Is he trying to draw me out? Staying silent will make him suspicious! I must reply...
Chax: I have no name.
Aun: Wha?
Chax: I am defined by my deeds. How can I be named before all my deeds are known? A designation will be bestowed on me after my death.
Aun: Uhm. Is there anything I can call you just for now?
Chax: Yes... Chuaxid Daistem.
Chax (thinks): [Broken-armed coward who surrenders in shame.]
Aun: Well, that’s a good start, I suppose.
