Osse, who had told him nothing of his nephew still walking these lands. Despite their occasional meetings. Few, far between. France was hardly recognizable as the elf he'd been before, and that was how it had to be.

He reached for those clawing hands again, aching to stop him. Grabbing hold finally, he did his best to drag him close with all the strength a nation could use.

"Stop! I cannot bear for you to harm yourself so!"