Swiftcurrent Creek I'll stay awake 'cause the dark's not taking prisoners tonight

Even as his own questions formed in his mind about why she was suddenly so interested in the topic of death, he remained silent, studying her face as she processed what he had told her. As he often did when answering his children's questions, he wondered if he had explained it well enough for them to understand. This being a parent thing was new to him, and he wasn't always sure how best to go about things. Usually, he just went with his instincts, and he hoped that they hadn't failed him now.

Finally she spoke, and he nodded. Yes, that's a good way to describe it. Already, she was so intelligent and intellectual. He often marveled at how different all of his children were while still all possessing some part of his or their mothers' personality. Like Helios, Polaris seemed always interested in the why of things, and he was happy to answer their questions. He did, however, wish that the subject of her current scrutiny was perhaps something not so morbid, but he supposed she was bound to be curious about death eventually.

Her next question had him twisting his mouth a little in thought before nodding again. Yes, when you kill something, it dies, he answered, eyebrows drawing together some. His own questions bubbled to the surface again, and he studied her face. Sweetheart, he started, his voice gentle. What has you thinking about death? There was nothing accusatory or disapproving about his voice as he spoke, only a concerned curiosity hugged his words. His intent was definitely not to discourage her curiosity about the world or make her feel like she couldn't ask him things when she needed more information, but he wanted to make sure there was nothing more to this or that there wasn't a packmate he needed to speak with.