Even through the tough emotions that filled him Bacchus could smile and enjoy the gentle company of his mother. She'd press back into him, the same comforting touch that had been there his whole life. He'd ask his simple question, and would feel as she pulled back to look at him and answer. He'd now notice the liquid pooling in her eyes, and he hoped it hadn't been something he'd done to make her sad. He'd resist the urge to nuzzle her as he found her cool stare. She would answer him first with a question, wanting to know if it had been Vereux who told him that. He would nod slowly in confirmation as she defended herself.
The added information she allowed him would really clear up all of the potential questions he had. She hadn't done it out of spite, or to hurt him and the rest of their family. She didn't want them to hurt anymore than they did, he could see the possibility of that with knowing that Vereux was still alive. "He still cares about us." He'd lean into her touch, smiling at her affection. He didn't have much else to say in the matter though, and was eager to drift away from such sad talks. "I love you," he'd say softly as he buried his face into her fur.
