I admit, I do favor birds. [ A slight color touches her cheeks. A shy and humble pinkening to the bridge of her nose. ] And wolves.

[ That sheepishness then changes shape, becoming a little more apologetic. ] I know very little of her, save what my father tells me. I was still very young when she left me with the sisters, but— I hold her no grudge. A Stone is not an easy weight to bear.