Karal stroked Altra, and the 'cat purred quietly. "When I was a novice, I wanted to finish my training and become a scholar-priest. I wanted to marry, most likely another priest, and have children. I would have lived out my days doing research," he said, voice soft, almost wistful, as if he wasn't really speaking to Ender at all. "Vkandis had other plans for me, and I do my duty gladly, no matter what it demands of me, but it doesn't mean I don't sometimes miss that dream."