Larksong Grotto who knows what tomorrow might hold

By the time Hiram arrived, he had not heard Laurel's tactless comment. Instead, he only heard her cry of glee as he approached. The affection she held for him filled Hiram's heart with joy. Finally, he had his daughters. He had his family together, and all was right with his world. He dropped the haunch on the ground as Laurel greeted him with a barrage of nips and licks.

"Well hello there Princess Laurel," he spoke, smiling as the honorific title he had given her passed his lips. Perhaps he was only serving to stroke the girl's ego, but her father hoped to make the grotto feel like home in any way he could.

As the child continued to shower him in affection, Hiram turned his attention to Jhala, who now spoke. Fat? His brow furrowed. Jhala was far from fat. Sturdy and strong -- but not fat. His brow furrowed. "Fat?" He questioned. "No one here is fat," he continued playfully, hoping he could dispel some of the tension. He turned his attention over to Jhala. "And no one here is getting killed. The grotto is a safe place." In truth, it was... as long as no one strayed to close to Sleeping Dragon.

He bent down as he turned his gaze back to Laurel. "Lorry, this is Jhala. She is my wife -- and that makes her your stepmother." It went unspoken, but Hiram meant that she was to be treated with respect.