Noctisardor Bypass I'll keep a light on in my soul

He said he wanted to know about them. 

Laurel would have know way of knowing how profoundly this statement would affect Lane. Wintersbane had made the same request of her; that he be allowed to know his children. He asked that she stay, and give him the chance to raise them. Lane had granted his request, despite own misgivings. 

Lane swallowed heavily. What if she had simply disregarded Wintersbane's request and done as she pleased, like Laurel apparently had? What if she had chosen differently, and she could have passed on all those months she had felt trapped in Duskfire Glacier, all the angst she had felt and the trouble that the pack had caused her? She could have taken her kids far away, and they could have grown up somewhere without suicide and famine, without having to lose their father. Without that hideous scar that Tzila's bitch daughter had given Veteran.

Lane turned from her. Tuuluuwaq's sentiment spoke for the both of them. She pressed her muzzle into his shoulder, as if through it she could siphon his emotional strength. 

Laurel looked like she might cry, so Lane and Tuuluuwaq would grant her some privacy. They departed quickly from the borderlands, silent until they were far out of earshot. Only then would they begin to discuss what they had learned in hushed, worried tones.