[ Her question is a fair one, and he wishes that he had a better answer for her. He notes how she holds her hand out as if wordlessly asking if she might view his writings, and without hesitation, he slides them over to her for her perusal.

It all feels lacking for one claiming to be Lord Commander and the one temporarily directing affairs, but at the same time, he supposes he should be glad he even managed to write down anything at all, given his present state. ]

Well, that is good. I would hate for you to leave here thinking that your reception here was lacking in any way.

[ Although he still feels weighted down by all his responsibilities, he still manages a smile in return for her benefit. He may not be inclined to relax on the couch, but he will surely encourage her to do so, as one of them should be able to find comfort tonight. ]

Of course. [ He knows that she'll think he answered too quickly, and she might chastise him for trying to rebuff her, but his answer is a truthful one. ]

The steward does his best to keep a fire in the fireplace going for as long as there is need of it, and I can manage to stoke it if the hour grows late and he has retired.

[ He knows that isn't entirely what she means, but he is warm enough, so it isn't an untrue statement. ]