[L hates giving; really, there's always something he receives in return, usually overwhelmingly in his favor. Palely, he rises to the Emperor's amusement, even if he doesn't quite match it.]

Awkward doesn't bother me. Empty spaces in universal grammar tend to.

[He was prepared for this thanks to Paul; he knows to keep his surprise tempered when he's asked if he knows the other. Who he's been seen with, who he is dream-mentoring and, by this point, Bonded with.]

Yes, we're acquainted. I think highly of him.

[There's a scale in L's mind, constantly tipping and teetering, screaming when he gives more than necessary, even as he understands that it's suspicious not to volunteer some things. Why would a friend of Paul's not volunteer a positive opinion of his character?]

I've met another here who goes by different names, depending on the person addressing him. Is that what you prefer, or something like it?

[L named Illarion "Moonsight" after a moth's transverse orientation. He's very grateful that he was able to choose; a title asks more of one, a sort of implicit respect or reverence. Is that why it's difficult to come around to it? He thinks it might be; he's not, after all, offended at the implication that he's a "kid." He understands why; he's found it useful at times.]

I never like to presume that others care, particularly, but I'm Lazarus Sauveterre.

[As pretty as a chocolate coin, and worth just about as much for how honest it is.]