[Several times, Lloyd moves to speak, at first in happy delight and subsequently with confusion, and then annoyed confusion. Each time, Kratos stops him. This is no exchange they have a right to infringe upon; they don't have to live here, with this man's trust.

[Kratos can't say he's happen about defaulting to plausible deniability. He hadn't realised things had gotten so bad in Tethe'alla. But it works, for now. Instead Kratos only tips his head with the faintest suggestion of amusement, gently but firmly keeping Lloyd against him (but not able to keep him from squirming.]

It's true. I'd beat him far too easily if he was using a sword and shield.

[He issues Lloyd with a mental warning not to burst out, and Lloyd subsides grudgingly.]