King Elk Forest And all of the things that you're ever to do

it was worry, but perhaps in a different way than the elk-woman meant. she held his contract, and germanicus had found some measure of contentment inside kingslend. her death would spell his departure, more effort spent to locate another place he might serve. 

and yet it was not all businesslike; célnes had been kind to him, acceptant where others had not. it was a kindness he intended never to forget, for she had earned his respect these past months. the brush of her pelt set him on edge with surprise; soldiers were not oft touched by their captains, if at all, but he found himself biddable to it.

"of course, célnes," he said softly. "perhaps the wintertime will bring to us more things to discuss."