Before long, Amrei confirmed his suspicions of this being her old home, gushing about her family and how much she missed them. Kaphiri... he wished he could say the same. Sure, he missed them all dearly, but seeing, knowing, feeling the life he was building for himself? Going back home, even just seeing them, would prompt a level of guilt to go back he didn't think he could live with. Not knowing where the Herd was... it was a blessing, really, even though thinking as much also offered a wave of sadness.
He wanted to see them, but the price he would pay would simply be too high; now that he'd escaped his gilded cage, tasted freedom, he couldn't go back.

Nothing is guaranteed, don't despair, he tried to soothe as he swept a kiss along her cheek, You may yet still reunite with family.

The dark princess started forward, and Kaphiri shadowed her readily, tail waving and cheeks crinkling as he smiled. He didn't share his worries they might've died to get here, but all signs pointed to him being alive and well, so perhaps believing godly intervention was better, anyway.

I want the entire tour, my sweet, he agreed enthusiastically, skipping along at her side giddily and waiting for her to grasp some memory to share or place to show.

After a heartbeat, he offered a soft: I love you, Amrei.

He loved seeing her so happy it moved her to tears, even if it was a bittersweet moment.