"I will not play with sharp objects"

All it took was seeing Meadow smile at him to make sure Kip would stay in place and be a shield for his shy sister.  His gaze went to Mercury as he noticed the lot of them.  Elowen introduced them and Kip grinned smugly, “Yeah, El and I are really strong.” With a resigned sigh he added, “Even Cal is strong…” then the grin returned, “buuuut I’m the best.  Don’t need a weapon either.  Bet I can beat anyone my age even if they do have a weapon.”  A weapon meant changing the way you balance in a fight and that wasn’t a thing Kip wanted to worry about.  Besides, he didn’t have to worry about accidentally hurting someone with something he swung about wildly.  

Glancing at Meadow struggling with being here a notion occurred and he glanced up to Mom, “Meadow and I don’t have any interest in weapons.  So, we aren’t really needed, right?  I’m tired anyway so how about I slip out with Meadow and we’ll go back to the room where it's quiet so I can sleep.” Kip wasn’t at all tired but a quiet dark room would probably be perfect for Medow right now.  This way the pressure was off of it being her idea or even fully for her.  Kip wanted a nap for himself and was just towing her along.  “Meadow can make sure I don’t get into trouble.”

"Kipling Carpathius"