She crouched down, both so she wouldn't look like she could approach, and to be closer to her eye level. She knew the fear she saw there. It had been hers once. Not that she'd had a mirror at that age. But she had seen that fear in other eyes. Steffi. Jade.

Pain flashed on her face before she pushed the thought aside. She couldn't save her girls. She could save this one, however. She offered her hand. "It is okay," she said gently. "I am Kaylin Neya. I am a Hawk. I'm here to help, alright?" she said her face softer than adults usually saw it, her voice quiet and kind. There was a side of herself that she only showed to children. Not by any choice or artifice. She just let down her guard with children in a way she never could around adults, no matter how much she trusted them. But a child?

Severn once said a child could stab her in the thigh and she'd still forgive them. He was right. Though thinking about him so soon after thinking about her girls... hurt. A lot. And a part of her still hated herself for forgiving him, depending on him.

No, Kaylin., Focus on the child before you.