Forgive me for that. [There's rueful amusement in his tone.] My skills at counseling soldiers on this sort of quandary, they have grown rust over the years.

[The Unearthed had needed none of them.] But, I am hearing this. I do not give you advice I have always followed; I, too, might blame myself.

Because it is better that somehow, I could take the blame for her death through my actions, than there was nothing whatever I could have done to save her.

[Though he has a very different example in mind, and must be silent for a too-long moment himself to let fade the dim spike of grief it brings.]

You spoke to him as well? [His voice is warmer at the thought.] I am glad so many did; he did seem to. Moon Presence, I think--she seems kindly disposed toward us, though distant. I do not know if she desires visitors, but I trust she listens, when we entreat.