[And while a kid, 'Driel's good at realizing when she's hit a sensitive subject.]

Something happened to her?

[She reaches out and takes his hand again. Touchy-feely kid, this one.]

My mother left me a long time ago. Didn't want me. My dad...

[She shrugs a little. Uncle Azryn and uncle Lemos are pretty sure he's dead, but 'Driel still holds out a little hope.]

I dunno where he is, but I've got an aunt and uncles and cousins that love me! You've got people that love you too, right?