[ All his life he's been taught to hide what he is, or be punished. It was an early lesson that's difficult to shake, even more so since it's only been built upon. To still have someone touch his scales so gently...

He hears the hesitation when he reveals just who he is. Hears how that heart races. Can almost feel the effort Xingchen makes to keep from abasing himself. The success of the latter means more to him than he can express. ]

She was a jealous bird. She really did love her son. It just came out in ways that weren't always best for everyone. You are far better and kinder a person, any child that you claim would be blessed.