She knew nothing more of her mother than that she was sweet and gentle, and took care of Rio and her siblings in the best way she could (which equaled the best way imaginable). She'd recently taken to her pack duties as Mr. Jefferson had mandated, leaving her in the care of Xeris. And Rio missed her mother. There was nothing more comforting than curling against the strong, pale woman, and letting dreams overtake her. She therefore couldn't imagine any of the feelings Haven felt, since she lacked knowledge of his history with their Mama. But, to her surprise, Haven saw her tears and appeared taken aback again, though this time it was her sadness that had confused him. He spoke kind words that she hadn't expected, treating her to a nuzzle and a gentle kiss. Never before had she felt so confused, and so relieved at the same time. The last of her tears fell, and she forced a weak smile that became genuine as his voice continued with words to soothe her.
But he brought up her mother, deepening her confusion. How could a mother not want her babies? The notion went against the stigma of parental perfection that children often held, and Rio was no exception. She watched him sit down beside her and was more comfortable now that he was close; their play had been interrupted, but she didn't mind. She wanted to understand more than anything else in the world. "But Mama has to love you," she said, as if this was another requirement of Naniko's, of having given life to the boy. She said so because Rio truly believed that there was some misunderstanding beneath this all. Mama loved all her children, no matter who their daddy was. "I love you." She said this quietly, but without hesitance. He must know that he was loved.