"Oh," he says softly, quickly sobering.

He's silent for a moment and kisses the top of Sinric's head.

"I'm sorry that happened, darling. But-- it's difficult to know what to say sometimes. Tactlessness may win out over kindness and patience, especially when there is no real answer. And the fact that we don't have an answer leads to this casual cruelty."

He kisses his head again, nearer to his forehead.

"But it was a mistake, and I can't imagine you repeating it."