His fire was what kept him going, long before finding the charming glacier and its own guiding light; Tuwawi had been his one and only, the woman who kept him rooted when his wanderlust became too great. He knew that she would always be nearby, and that her light would guide him home.
And yet, as Danica told him the news of Tuwawi's absence, of the family which had been stripped bare while he had been searching the wilds for their youngest son, Njal felt that flickering light extinguish. He didn't want it to be true - how could it be? How could Tuwawi be gone? Whatever hope Njal had displayed when the thought of his wife entered his mind was promptly removed. He looked utterly gutted, and sagged against the grass.
No,
He breathed the word through clenched teeth. No she can't be gone.
His rough voice became monotone as the denial took hold. No, no - he wanted to scream, but couldn't even fathom lifting his head. He wanted to deny this awful truth - to see her glowing face again, ignited by her love of him. Maera is here though,
Danica mentioned, and in an instant Njal was latching upon this last glimmer of family he had left. She will be glad that you are returned.
Had he returned? It still felt like pieces were missing; more now than before. It hurt to lose a son, but the entire family? All while he was distracted by those infernal lynx. Njal sat before Danica and Malachi, but he said nothing. He couldn't function - it took effort to remember to breathe at the very least - but gradually he regained some semblance of himself. He still had a daughter. He still had Maera, and she needed him now.
I must... Go see her.
Tuwawi, or Maera? He wasn't specific. But he did get to his feet, and he did begin to doggedly move beyond his two friends.