[The finer points of her concern escape Bard's grasp, but the broader theme--worry for a child left vulnerable to the dangers of the world--is one that's dogged his mind every day since arriving here. He looks down briefly into his bowl, suddenly not so sure he'll be in the mood for more soup.]

My own children are alone while I'm here. I think our people and neighbors will be kind to them, since we've all recently come through war and dragonfire together, and they are each capable in their own way, but I'm all they've had for a long time, so I can't help but worry.