[Grainne looks away for a moment, then down at her hands.]

No, not until I came here. Our stories tend to be based in real events, which do not always have a happy ending, or one that favors any particular person and very often speak of tragedy on all sides. They speak of hope, too. I would even dare to say Belle's story did not turn out a happy one for Gaston.

But then, those who persist in foolishness bring about their own ruin, too. Gaston may have been selfish, and barbaric in some ways, though he also must have been an important member of the community to rally and lead the others so, and feared for the safety of the village. Ignorance and fear are not permanent afflictions, except it was not his ignorance and fear that ended his life, but his lack of mercy.

I have always believed it is important for my children to be prepared for the harsh realities of life that they will face on their own. They would not always win just because they felt themselves just. It has always been my duty as a parent. That does not mean I did not teach them to hope or to stop believing in other people to do the right thing.

Oft, it is believing in others that brings out the best in them. Sometimes that is all that they need.

[She sighs, and drops her hands to grasp the seat on each side of her.]

I suppose when it comes down to it, I could not tell my children stories that were not true, not when their father's ended so badly.