[Long has he regarded with fluidity the matter of kin, that well-woven cloak that unfurls to drape the shoulders of those who are worthy of such love and respect. Patroclus, who was brought into his father's house when the two of them were boys, before which time Achilles can scarce recall, is no less his brother than would be one who shares Peleus' noble blood. Phoenix he loves as a grandfather, the old charioteer upon whose knee he sat as a boy, and when the wine dribbled from his chin it was Phoenix who wiped him clean, and Phoenix who entertained him with endless stories and taught him always to speak well. Chiron is as a father to him, second after Peleus, and Lycomedes of Scyros third for the years he passed among his daughters, as well as for his own son who shares the aging king's blood through fair Deidamia.

He has not known Sieglinde so long, yet nevertheless he finds her deserving of this most sacred designation. At present, when the differences between his culture and the myriad cultures of this crew are palpable, abrasive against his skin, it seems to him paramount that they are of one mind. In this he may solace, and in this she may find protection.]

Then kin we shall be, so long as we remain in the house of ALASTAIR and afterward too.

[So speaking, he squeezes her small hands in his before gently withdrawing to rise from his seat. Where once perched a grimace for his heavy words now sits a soft smile upon his countenance.]

Now, I have seen upon the tables countless sweets that must surely delight the tongue as much as they delight the eyes. Shall I fetch us some of these?

[Although he can see that Sieglinde's legs are growing ever stronger, he would not wish to make her walk any more than she must.]