Sadiki smiled briefly at his grandson. "You are welcome, Ifran. I am indulging one of the pleasures of wealth: the ability to bestow happiness on your progeny." His family required more wealth than most for their happiness. The concept of a child made perfectly grateful by a pet bird was lifetimes away. "Speaking of family, have you been considering any of the gems of the other houses? You are young enough to ignore but old enough to ask for one of them. If you have a preference it can be a pillar to the house while fulfilling your own likes." Sadiki placed a pair of hands on his knees, rubbing the joints. Some questioned whether he pretended to ache as an old man so as to make others doubt his true speed. Perhaps he was a greater performer than even he knew. "Your grandmother was of my choosing, though I was not hers. Time and persistence can change a woman. Unlike men, they are wise enough to reconsider worth when shown it through action. Whereas men may often confuse goodness with youth and health." It was known that despite the complexity of their household, Sadiki and Ominah were happy in the other. It would strike other as surprising to hear one was ever unwilling. "Between houses, beneficial exchanges can also be made." |