Tarantulas's eyes widen at that 'we.' For a moment he dares to look hopeful -- but only for a moment. The idea of Ryja staying with him to help raise Dawn seems to good to be true...there must be a catch somewhere.

"Ryja," he says quietly, "Nothing would please me more than to have your help raising Dawn. But I beg you to settle something for me now, to prevent misunderstands later. Don't --" He smiles slightly, wryly. "Don't try to spare my feelings."

"I know that I trespassed against you...to a terrible degree. So..." He takes a deep, anxious breath. "Tell me honestly, please. Do you still hold any affection for me at all? Or are you only concerned with protecting Dawn from the consequences of my mistakes?"