[It occurs to her that having this conversation with James results in him being extra-careful and trying not to offend anyone, especially not elves, while still sympathizing and trying to shoulder her pain. Which sounds like it ought to lighten the load, but it doesn't. James strives to inflict himself with her pain, and she inflicts herself with his as he inflicts himself with hers, a never-ending spiral of compounded misery.

Alistair says three words, and she smiles.]

Do you...really think so? Continuing the bloodline and all...although there's nothing to say we can't adopt elven orphans from alienages. Their blood is as pure as mine.