[ The thought of family hurting each other to get ahead isn't alien to her- though that wasn't the case of her own. Her fathers love her and her brothers immensely, so much that they've defied the lord of the underworld for her. And now he...

She lets her thoughts trail off before she senses how worked up Samatoki is getting, but she doesn't regret asking him. She wonders if he's gotten to tell anyone at all, or if he's been holding it all in... though it's chilling when he looks at her and says that. She's quiet, but-

Her gaze softens after a while and she moves her hands over his, as though hoping he'll be soothed if she does. It's a stray hope, and she wonders how to do it, but after a moment, she lowers her head, lifting his hand between their bodies and holding it for a bit. ]

You were a child. That wasn't something you could ever foresee.

[ And somehow, because of it, Samatoki's personality and the choices he's making seem to make sense. ]

You've had to do things no child should have... all because of selfish choices from those that ought to have protected you.

[ She sighs, moving her face close to gently kiss the back of his hand. ]

But your hands- they aren't a murderer's hands, Samatoki. They're a protector's. You make those around you feel safe. Don't ever lose that.

[ Her words and voice remain soft, but if it can help unburden him, even a little, she wants to be able to do it for him. ]

Especially for those you're doing this for. No one wants to see their protectors forsaking their own happiness, too.

[ She'd be sad if her brothers weren't getting their due happiness, all because they wanted to keep her safe. ]