Dolperi sat nibbling at the meal the cooks had given him. His mind was wandering back to that fateful night that seemed so long ago now. He saw again the face of Ala lying dead next to him. The shouts of the hunters rang again in his ear. Was there anything he could have done different? Something that could have saved the lives of his friends? He should have kept a better eye on her. Stopped her before she got to the village. Stopped her before she killed Marsol. White council or not she shouldn't have interfered. That was not their place. You could have done no different, my rider. the soft voice of Vaofykath gently broke into his thoughts. I thought you were asleep. You had a hard day of training. And having to translate everything for me must be tiring as well. Do you think they'll let us fly tomorrow? The man mind-spoke trying to sound casual. You're changing the subject. the dragon replied not fooled by his riders act. You cannot harbor this gilt forever. Vaofykath said rising and walking over to his rider. Dolperi glanced up briefly at the jeweled eye above him. "I should have done something." What could you have done?! "I don't know!" he nearly shouted, Dolperi could feel tears sting the back of his eyes. "Something. I don't know." "I am more to blame than you, my friend." Dolperi spun around to see Elara standing close behind him, Cysscatainth behind her. "Ala was my responsibility. I should have seen the signs and stopped her from ever leaving camp. And Somin died saving me," Elara continued Cyss nuzzling her hand. What's done is done. Cyss' voice said softly to both riders. All the ifs shoulds and coulds can never bring them back. They would want you to move on. there was silence in the room as the dark opal's words sank in. You know she's right Vao said softly. Morn for them, but do not blame yourselves. Dolperi glanced up at Elara tears flowed from her ever changing eyes and he found his own checks were damp with tears as well. He felt relief fill his body as he bowed his head and let the tears flow. I think they'll be all right now. Vaofykath told Cysscatainth privately.