This seems to startle him, enough that he pulls back to peer, confounded. "I... suppose... stories of animals? Small animals. I remember, very happy and... dull. We used to want stories about pirates, and that wasn't..."

He sips his tea once more, considering. "You know what children are like. Course, now I'd appreciate it. Happy stories, happy tellings. They're scarce. And I've seen nineteen summers, sir."