[ With all the sticks in place, Adrien reached out and gently squeezed each side, making sure they were even. Then, he sat and pensively studied the structure before reaching to nudge loose the first piece. ]

It's too much to ask Banagher to kill someone else in what is effectively cold blood. I don't know if he could do it.

[ There is a nuance in his tone. The statement is not meant to cast disparaging light on Banagher's ability to get a job done but something else. At this point there are so many lies of omission, what's one more?

Getting the stick pulled free, he sat back and looked at Sturmhond, frowning slightly.]

I can do this for Banagher. You focus on yourself and Alina.

[ Speaking of supporting others; you two.

And yes, for the time being the more personal subjects of his family and grief, were shelved.]