Darling, don't be afraid. I have loved you for a thousand years.
“Daddy!”
A youthful, exuberant voice calls out, and his face instantly breaks into a wide grin at the sound. Rora, his darling little princess. “Rora!” His head turns as the bouncy little black bundle snuggles up against his side. As she rubs against his shoulder his legs waver and his body sways ever so slightly, but he steadies himself, trying to minimize the effect. He’s been feeling weaker and and more exhausted lately, and while he has no doubt that Arrya has noticed (he never could hide anything from her), he doesn’t want little Rora to notice and worry.
“A friend?! That’s wonderful Rora!” His smile widens with genuine happiness. Their little girl is such a wonderful bundle of joy and kindness - she never fails to improve his mood. “She sounds lovely! And I would love to meet her, my dear.” Rora finally pauses to suck in a deep breath (an action that makes him smirk), before asking if Arrya would mind about her sneaking off and asking about his own day. “Well Rora, I don’t know that your mother will be very happy that you snuck off like that, however, I’m sure she will be very happy that you made a friend.” He pauses, forcing the smile off his face in an attempt to look serious. “And Rora, while I am also happy that you found a friend, I must say that I don’t think I’m very happy that you were sneaking about either. While you are perhaps old enough to start exploring farther afield,” Arrya might bite him for that one, “you should still let us know where you are going. So while I am not mad,” he could never really be mad at her after all, “I am a little disappointed.”
“I am glad to hear that you tried your best to be careful, but some strangers aren’t very nice. And even if you don’t run into them, there are worse things out there than strange horses.” He doesn’t want to scare her, but she is still so young, still so naive. He has to prepare her for the world that’s out there.
“But enough of that for now. I’m sure your mother will have her own things to add. As for my day, it’s been quite nice so far. Very peaceful, and I’ve just had a visit from one of my favourite people in the world …” He gives her an exaggerated wink, a mischievous grin splitting his scarred face.
I'll love you for a thousand more.