He takes the failure with some grace, expression turning brittle. It's been 931 years since he has felt a mother's comfort, his reaction is utterly genuine even if their story is not, dark eyes pooling with wetness. He manages a weak smile, pulling his pouch of coins from the depth of his robes and setting it atop the pile of fabrics and textiles. "I'll take them all, please."

He moves off to compose himself and Andronika moves as if to instinctively follow but stops herself.

"Ellia left Alydhion entirely?"