He said - "You've got the makings of the Flame in you."

[ word for word, rondo recites it - he lifts his hand and touches his heart, closing his eyes briefly as he does, carrying something like quiet awe even now in the phrase. the smile on his face is softer, nostalgic - maybe a little bit sad. ]

I was only thirteen. [ truly rondo said i will follow you for the rest of my life now and never turned back ] I begged him to let me be his apprentice, and he said no - but, he started sparring with me, then, and taught me some things even though he rejected me. I knew I could get there, so...once he left, I just started training with everything I had in me so I could get him to accept me into the position. And... I was anointed as his successor a few years ago.