The child shudders as though something far harder has cracked him, though Rutile sees no injury. They stand at their full height as they ponder the matter; the names ‘not working’ is quite strange, but not entirely unexpected. This is not their particular skillset, after all.

“We could try games, but unfortunately it may have the same effect, if my naming system did not work for you,” Rutile says, “because the principle is the same. Or perhaps you could be Watcher or Guardian, since that is the function you serve.”

They eye the child up and down once again, searching for a reaction.

“You could also simply remain nameless. That seems to be serving you well enough, right now.”