[Well, he certainly was stubborn, she'll give him that. Smiling, she lowers her bokken back to her side and extends a hand for him to at least come with her. Though it might be dangerous for him to come too close if he's liable to try and cut her down again, she is willing to take the risk.]

Hmm. Well then lets start with introductions? If that's alright with you.

[It could keep his mind busy, at the very least, by talking to him casually.]

I'm Kaoru. I don't know what happened, but I really do want to help.... if you don't want to talk about it that's alright too.

[He was a bit older, but somehow he still reminded her of Yahiko when they had first met, though any young boy could easily bring out that maternal instinct in her. He had this air about him, as if he had gnarled thorns wrapped all up inside him. He needed to just take a breath and work the problem out for himself one step at a time, she thinks.]