Thomas York embraced his son momentarily, as one would a family member back from war.

"[color=f7941d]Gepard my boy, I understand your objections. You really must forgive your mother, she truly means well. I've heard the same rumors myself. It's been said that such individuals often are plagued with powerful impulses that they have great difficulty suppressing that make it significantly difficult to acclimate or adjust to civilized living. It's not their fault when and if they can't adjust. While one should not really put much stock in salacious tales like that, it's important to understand that there can be some trappings of truth with them.  Your mother is just worried, that's all.[/color]"

"[color=00aeef]Yes, Gepard darling-- You have no idea how reassuring it is to know you've already met this.. individual.. and found him trustworthy. Perhaps His Majesty's faith in him is not misplaced. Just understand my son, the ability to be civil in small settings might not translate to crowded and .. trying.. conditions like a royal soiree. There's no telling how he might react.[/color]"

"[color=f7941d]Adela my love, don't be so harsh on the poor bear. He surely has enough difficulties as it is, trying to live among full humans like he does. He deserves our sympathy and help.[/color]"

Adela blushed demurely, then took her husband's hand graciously.

"[color=00aeef]You are absolutely right, my husband. We should send him our heartfelt thanks for assisting our kingdom in its time of need.[/color]"

"[color=f7941d]My sentiments exactly, beloved.[/color]"  He turned back to Geppard again. "[color=f7941d]There, you see Gepard? It's not really as bad as you think it is. People of privilege like ourselves have an obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves, and given his current company, I can't think of another more deserving of that right now, than our charming hirsute protector over there. I shall have Gaston deliver a bottle of his drink this evening to his room, with our compliments.[/color]"