[ Before he can answer that first observation with a light joke about cheap suits, the boy has already moved on to a new question, and then another one after that. It makes Magnus hesitate for the briefest of moments, considering how best to respond. ]
You're right; there's little in my life that has come cheaply or easily. [ In the end, he decides to address the shared spirit of those queries, rather than trying to answer each one in a rapid-fire line. ] At your age, I already knew that I would spend my life ducking through doorways and ordering specially-sized clothes. Nonetheless, I can say that I was raised in fortunate circumstances: by a man both wealthy enough to live in the same luxury that surrounds us now, [ he throws his hand out in a grand, sweeping gesture at the rooftop garden's scenery, naturally, ] and kind enough to leave it behind for the sake of remaining my father.
Yet there are many like myself who aren't so lucky. [ If the theatrical gesture and impassioned words weren't enough to give it away, he's getting really into his impromptu speech, the cadence of his voice falling into something much like the delivery one would expect from him on-stage. ] Either they can't afford the burden of more food, new clothes, and household renovations — or they're born to families unwilling to sacrifice their comfortable lives and vaunted reputations for the sake of the children they ought to protect.
[ ... ]
But to answer you a bit more succinctly, more or less. I've put my home through a number of renovations over the years, and I believe it fits me quite comfortably at this point.
[ Whew, nice save. He almost let himself get carried away for a second!! ]
no subject
You're right; there's little in my life that has come cheaply or easily. [ In the end, he decides to address the shared spirit of those queries, rather than trying to answer each one in a rapid-fire line. ] At your age, I already knew that I would spend my life ducking through doorways and ordering specially-sized clothes. Nonetheless, I can say that I was raised in fortunate circumstances: by a man both wealthy enough to live in the same luxury that surrounds us now, [ he throws his hand out in a grand, sweeping gesture at the rooftop garden's scenery, naturally, ] and kind enough to leave it behind for the sake of remaining my father.
Yet there are many like myself who aren't so lucky. [ If the theatrical gesture and impassioned words weren't enough to give it away, he's getting really into his impromptu speech, the cadence of his voice falling into something much like the delivery one would expect from him on-stage. ] Either they can't afford the burden of more food, new clothes, and household renovations — or they're born to families unwilling to sacrifice their comfortable lives and vaunted reputations for the sake of the children they ought to protect.
[ ... ]
But to answer you a bit more succinctly, more or less. I've put my home through a number of renovations over the years, and I believe it fits me quite comfortably at this point.
[ Whew, nice save. He almost let himself get carried away for a second!! ]