Shadewood Here in the ashes

He watched the kids run off, grabbing the chance for freedom and going wild with it. His confident smile fading as they went from earshot and Phex told him not to promise it. It broke his heart that she had already accepted his death as if it happened, that there was no coming back. "You're right" He said softly, a harsh edge to his tone that wasn't really meant for her. "Perhaps it's better that I tell them Daddy is sick and will die soon?" he looked to her, gaze soft and shook his head. "I don't intend to die Phex....Not now, not soon. Understand?" He knew he had no control over fate but he would fight tooth and claw against death to make sure he at least got to see his kids reach a year old.