Firefly Glen [PHE] sweet grain

That was a loaded question. Yes, he replied slowly, and no. It was what I needed back then—I didn't have a lot of discipline, and Mereo gave me actual responsibility. Helped me grow up.

But it was really strict, Killer added as counterpoint. Training all the time—spars, patrols, and so on. Perfect for some, but for me?

He shook his head and smiled, following her gaze up the great spear that was his home now. I like it much better there, he murmured. My kids are there—and that alone makes it hard to beat. You know what I mean, Killer told her, meeting Chickadee's eyes again. Once you have kids. . .everything changes.

He had at once more and less freedom all at once, and he wouldn't trade it for the world.