‘It’s not that,’ I managed. ‘I’m just … I’m trying to understand how alves define their families, if blood doesn’t have anything to do with it.’ ‘Ah.’ He blew out his cheeks. ‘Well, that’s easier. You’ve eaten at our table, you’ve slept in our beds, you’ve risked your life for us and we’ve risked our lives for you. Which means you’re one of us now, as far as I’m concerned. We’re simple creatures, really.’
