Emotions in the Elderling Realm (SPOILERS all books)

[Nuytsia]

Cool!
I must admit I do wonder exactly how Nighteyes 'thinks'. He is truly an animal (they can't possibly think in the same way we do) but he communicates to Fitz with very human style language. As you say, animals seem to have no specific concept of their own impending death, but Nighteyes must understand to some extent.
I agree, the animal/human bond seems to be problematic for the animal especially! I think it's in a lot of ways far worse for a wild animal. I felt so sorry for Nighteyes being lonely when he was stuck in that deserted cabin thing when Fitz lived in Buckkeep (but Nighteyes himself didn't seem to see that as a problem), and later the way he was torn between wanting to live with a real wolf pack and be with Fitz. At first I thought Black Rolf treated Fitz a bit harshly (how would Fitz have known what he was supposed to be doing when no-one ever taught him before?) but now I think I see where he was coming from in his concern for Nighteyes.
I shouldn't be too harsh on Kyle, he was punished pretty badly!!!!!

It's funny for me to think of Ronica and Ephron as bad parents in the way you describe. I think I totally saw through Althea's POV and hated them for not letting her take over the ship - but I didn't think about their broader actions in her upbringing. When I read DK I actually thought Alise seemed really unprepared for her 'role' in life actually, and I thought geees Kefria (or Malta even) would have known what to do! I just assumed well Althea didn't want that. Then again, I supposed Alise didn't seem to either, but she didn't seem to have an alternative in mind.
I DID wonder what Ronica and Ephron were thinking letting Keffria marry Kyle Haven in the first place!!! (as you indicated) I mean geees. I can only assume Keffria was a lot more like Malta in her youth and demanded her way!! (or something). But there's no way I'd let that guy into my family - especially as my heir!