"I think having family to fight for - not just your battle brothers - would make a man stronger, more determined in battle, more inspired. Knowing there's someone to come home to is a powerful motivation."

But Arf wasn't going to dwell on that point as she took in Garviel's expression as he answered her question. "Sometimes comfort is all that you can do. And it hurts when you're a being of action, knowing there is no action you can tak--"

She grimaces and bows her head down, hand running up the length of the other side of her jaw. She could feel heat localized there and just touching it hurt. Before she could stop herself, a whine of pain escaped.