He put the safety of others above his own wants. But no, he didn't Ral as a father. He respected Ral and liked him a good deal, but the storm mage was a grouchy bastard a good deal of the time. (He's told before his marriage Ral was even more of a grouchy bastard, which Kellan can't picture.)

Kellan's body relaxed at the order to let go, and his heart swelled at the promise of his father being there in the morning.

Maybe it's just a dream; wants and desires he hasn't let go of yet. Childish, sure, but still hard to let go. "Kay," he murmured, settling back down, his hat falling off his head. "Kay."

His breathing slowed, and a small smile played across his lips as he slipped back into sleep.