[Figuring out the phrase 'being a downer' is a matter of context clues, Alke frowns a bit at the inherent self-deprecation.]

You aren't-- bringing anything down. It's all right. Not every topic is a happy one, nor should it be.

[That's just life. Good and bad.]

Isla was fine. She intends to stay here, with her-- [his mouth twitches into an unhappy line,] husband. I'm glad she's safe, and well.

[What he would have preferred for her is irrelevant. She grew up under the shadow of the war he fought, and deserves to find happiness just as much as anyone. He can't fault her for the how of it.]