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Elara was walking along in the cool of the day. She was tired from the training, but she still wanted to enjoy the evening. Cysscatainth trotted next to her, the dragon’s beautifully colored wings shimmering in the fading light. She saw Dolperi sitting on a small bench, a plate of food in his lap, his Vaofykath nearby. He had his back to her so she couldn't see his face, but she could tell by the tenseness of his shoulders that he was deep in thought. He thinks of the past. Cyss said quietly. He blames himself. Cyss said in a slightly confused tone. Elara knew what his thoughts were about and felt a pain in her heart. She tried to hide it from Cyss, but in vain. The opal leaned against her rider comforting her without words. "I should have done something." Dolperi said, then paused as Vaofykath replayed. "I don't know!" he nearly shouted. "Something. I don't know." Elara heard the grief in his tone as she silently came up behind him. She could not let him tear himself apart like this. "I am more to blame than you, my friend." Dolperi spun around to face 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, she felt Cyss nuzzling her hand gently. It was true, it was her fault that the rest of the group was dead. She was the leader, she was the one who was suppose to watch out for the others. What's done is done. Cyss' voice said softly to both riders, interrupting Elara's thoughts. 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. Elara heard Vao say softly. Mourn for them, but do not blame yourselves. Elara felt tears flood her eyes and run down her cheeks. Dolperi glanced up and she saw tears in his eyes as well. He bowed his head and let the tears fall. Elara did the same unable to do anything else. But even that seem to be enough. She leaned against Cyss and cried. I think they'll be all right now. Vaofykath told Cysscatainth privately.

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