“Forgive me Urena, “she says through tears. While the others watched they silently grieved along with their friend. Removing her forehead, she looks up at Bette, understanding the meaning she walks to other side and climbs in standing next to her grieving friend. Feeling Bettes presence she reaches behind her grabbing her ankle. Reaching down grabbing her shoulder Bette squeezes it before taking a depth breath. Stepping away she walks slowly and kneels down next to Urena. Removing the colors from her body she finds an opening in her shirt and slowly opens it careful to only expose her torso only. Examining the wound that stilled her life she was shocked at the discovery. Covering her back up she stands to her feet looks at Gaia and climbs her way out of the hole. Giving her friend the time needed to grieve in private she signals to the others to gather around her.

“Gaia has lost someone dear to her I thought it be respectful to allow her to grieve alone.”

“She whispered the name Urena who was she?”

“Whoever she was she was one of us a soldier who died an honorable death.”

“In truth she was all things importantly she occupied space within Gaias heart she was her family.”

“Is there anything we can do, “Kelly ask.

“No, just give her space, “she says looking back at her friend, “We’ll make camp here gather as much wood to last throughout the night.” Adhering to her command they separate amongst the nearby forest Bette remained standing watch over her friend.

It was near nightfall and while everyone surrounded the blazing fire to keep warm Gaia never left Urenas side. Lying next to her she draped her arm around her lifeless body. Wanting to give Gaia as much time as she needed Bette knew their travels continued early the next morning. If they were to remain on schedule the hole had to be covered tonight. Taking a deep breath she prepares herself searching for the correct words to comfort and explain this to Gaia. Climbing slowly back into the hole she kneels besides her.

“Gaia.”

“I did this, I did this to her,” she says in between sobs.

“No, when given the task she knew the risk and accepted the soldier inside would not allow her to turn away from such a mission.”