mahler cradled ilse carefully in the crook of one broad forearm. he never was quite expected for how very small children were in the beginning of their lives, despite now having been a father several times over. ilse was treated to little rumbling croons and a blend of common and german babbling that emmerich would never have heard from his father before — unless he remembered those early days.
his son stirred outside the door and mahler hesitated, almost wishing the boy inside for a moment. but it was not the way of things.
"nicht heute, emmerich," came the gargoyle's kind voice from within the den. he suspected this would be difficult for his son, for this was the first time their boys would have been about younger siblings. 
he pulled the prey inside. "dein bruder hat essen mitgebracht," he told to ilse, and to his son, "do not vorry. little vones valk very soon and often. vhen she is able to come out, then you and anselm vill be velcome closer."