[Lyney was prepared for Kaveh's outrage, but seeing some of that cold fire beginning to ebb makes Lyney's tense posture relax a bit. He's still on high alert, but even Kaveh being willing to listen to him is a positive sign.]

[Still, Lyney can't help the frown that forms on his face.]

I know you may object to the ways of the House, and I won't hold that against you. But to us orphans... the House of the Hearth is more than just an information network, and we're more than just agents. To us, the House of the Hearth is the only family we have. For some of us, it's the only chance we'd ever get at a regular, happy life.

[He's not even thinking of himself here; he's thinking of young Foltz, who's family abandoned him when his curiosity with the inner workings of animals went a bit too far, or of Helior, who's fascination with poisons and antidotes unsettled those not used to her. And there were more; war orphans, young victims of cruel twists of fate, those betrayed by the adults sworn to protect them... Father protected them, gave them a second chance.]

We may not be perfect, and we may not do things that normal people approve of. But the House is our family, at the end of the day. We're just doing what we can to protect our family, and give back to those who took us in and gave us that life. But I promise, despite the work we do... none of us want to hurt anyone outside of the House. And Freminet and I... we only hid the truth because we didn't know what others would think.

[He pauses once more, before speaking again.]

It may be selfish of me to ask this, but... no matter what you think of me, please don't take out any anger on Freminet. If anything, it should be me you're angry with, since I wasn't initially forthcoming with that information.