Kali accepted the laughter without complaint. She would be a student here, this place had already proven that to her. "It is fine, I do not mind. I simply...did not understand anything you were speaking of. But yes, my uncle is a very good teacher and I am sure he will bring me to an acceptable level of education as soon as he returns."

Kali froze in the doorway, eyes closing as she absorbed the smell of her father. He had been here. He had been here and she had not been able to be certain of it until this moment, with his smell and his presence rushing out to great her.

Her shoulders relaxed automatically, wings unfurling from their tight bundle. She did not even look at the pictures for a moment.

Her father was here.

He had been here, he would return. This was his place.

"Papa...." The word was a whisper, and unless Trudy was paying attention, she would definitely miss it, it was barely more than an exhalation as she forced herself to straighten and walk deeper into the room. This was his place. It smelled of him, it displayed him in tiny touches that only he would make.

Pictures, painting of people she had met on the ship, and other strangers she had not met yet but must be dear to him to be so displayed. "Thank you, General."