Not with pity did she look to him, but understanding. Deep within the halls of Orbonne Monastery had he confessed - 'I have ever handled my burdens alone.' In her own time of need, she herself had been fortunate in the presence of friends who taught her the value of sharing burdens. Yet he had been... alone. On that day she offered trust and sought to end his solitude. Now, she hoped he trusted her enough to accept her words.

"We cannot restore their lives, Delita... though we can grant them the peace of which they are deserving." Gently she spoke, respectful. "Rasler once spoke of his wish that I continue living. Tietra... would she not wish the same for her brother?"

Instinct instructed her to stroke her ring, yet Ashelia denied it, held securely onto his hand, needed the warm contact just as much.

"... We belong with the living."