"It seems like he cared for you very much," he murmurs softly as the scene begins to fade more. It's a relief, to have such a terrible sight fizzle away, the artificial sounds and smells waning. No doubt there are many of their kin who had similar stories, each as terrifying and heartbreaking as the next.

Finel can see the strain in that smile, and tries to return one a little more reassuring, but he, too, has been stretched thin that evening.

Talen drifts a little closer, solidifying some as it appears to reach for him, and then seems to detour, drifting off and back again.

"...I often wondered if my parents had been so disappointed when I came into my magic. Whenever I think about it, I can't recall why they did not come with me. Perhaps...they didn't want me."

His expression saddens visibly for a moment, rare that he offers anything about those days with anyone. But after a moment it strengthens.

"My new clan became my real family. He..." Finel glances back at the form that's become his new haunting companion, his heart swelling a little in his chest as he touches the pendant around his neck.

"...I loved him," he says softly. "...he...he's gone now."