breath shuddering in their chest, they trembled, putting their paw to their muzzle to try and choke back the rage of emotions in their heart, the kingpin taking a deep breath to choke it back and calm it down. groaning slightly, they cleared their throat, chasing back the grief so thick it brought them to trouble to keep breathing. they couldn't afford to break down here in front of those they still considered friends, at least through a time that they had known. shaking their head in agreement, they lifted their head to hold gael's gaze, "trade ... i will send one of my watches or a merchant staying at our inn here soon enough. we will set up a schedule that is agreeable for all parties.", they would murmur softly, gaze turning from grief to steeled resolve. they had a group to lead and children to feed, their emotions could come in private, where nobody could see them break down.

dipping their head as they bore his message, his words painful to their ears but needing to be heard, demanding respect. only his skull ... no ... taking a deep breath, they exhaled sharply, ears tremoring as they held back their thoughts, "only his skull? i don't have anything to even give to his grave, should he have received one. is there any way that it could be buried? i know it's not my business, but it should be buried, or laid to rest in a tree. i believe i have an old item of his ... i shall lay that to rest in my family's graveyard.", they murmured quietly, gaze tired and sore. "i thank you for all you've done for him, gael and aine. i know that he was an important being, trying to turn the tides. should i ever have the chance to speak to his spirit ... i shant let it go to waste.", they spoke quietly, gaze falling to the ground before returning to gael's with a burning promise, "for his honor, i will teach our children of his life and stories.", they vowed, "young as they are ... he would be proud of them, as i'm sure he's as proud of everyone he's left behind, especially you two.", they murmured softly.