At times, I wonder if it is truly the right thing to do - to let them live, that is. At times, I cannot help but see my daughter's pain and wonder if they are still the source of it, a connection that ought to have been severed. It is much the same as Abel and many other children born with their eyes and ears closed or their bodies warped. Yet, at times, her eyes glisten with something more alive and it is in those moments that I am sure she could not tolerate more perceived loss. That is the curse of compassion, perhaps: those with it can seldom see the benefits of transiant pain. If they were gone, she may feel them for some seasons and yet, it would die too. Eventually, all feelings can be killed.

I cannot pretend that it is not why I have eagerly awaited Samia's summoning. I have hoped she might come with news bearing of illness or defect, of dire need for them to be removed and yet, I feel she will not. At their core, they are healthy, suitable, strong and yet, another shadow will always live alongside them. For now, they are feelings I must put aside, particularly when she truly does come. It would not be coming of me for another to see me with such a look of brooding.

When she approaches, I follow her lead, offering her a small bow of my head before I turn my attention to her words. I nod slowly as she speaks, my eyes narrowing only momentarily at her mention of their lack of...father. Though I know it is an obvious thing, it remains a slight that I have found no others suitable for such a role. Perhaps I should be doing more. But what is there that can be done? She is my daughter and thus, I shall always be simply a grandfather to them, a king at best, and so, it is barely my place. She speaks from experience, I am sure. Still, I had no father. I had a father who was killed. I know they do not truly need one in order to be great.

"Yes, it is most regrettable that their father remains absent and I do not believe he shall ever return for them," I nod solemnly, almost believing my own words for a moment. "Would it be ideal for a single male? Or perhaps the support of many of those within the pack?" All but Underidge, I think for a moment with a twitch to my lip. No, I do not suppose Underidge would prove to be the best of father figures. Yet, perhaps Thor, perhaps even Haziel or Erebos. "And...what of Ehiyeh? What are your thoughts?" She seems confident to speak of such things and so, I have no qualms asking her. She will either confirm my suspicions or perhaps ease them. I would not mind either, I do not think.