[ Her fingers stay threading through the horse's mane, stroking down the side of her neck in slow motions as she listens. ]

I am glad he did to see what a grandson he had. [ A brief smile, a murmuring of appreciation where she hasn't been... as open with it as she could have been.

A pause, hanging there a moment with the words, trying to work out where to begin. ] Admiral, I am afraid I did not seek you out for your company alone. I wish to ask you if you are truly a man of your word.