Silence reigned in clearing. Only the sound of the leaves rustling in the scattered trees around the clearing broke the peace that settled over the area like a burial shroud. Heston's face was frozen in silent plea staring in to Ry'kanos' eyes. Tenderly, Ry'kanos reached up and closed Heston's blue eyes forever as the first tears from his eyes fell to mix with the blood that coated Heston's chin and lips. He hadn't wanted to kill the young warrior. He had been skilled with his silver spear. It had only been by the grace of the Mother Goddess that Ry'kanos had won at all. His wounds screamed at him, the worst a full on puncture right through his shoulder. His left arm still wouldn't respond to all of his commands and was drenched in his blood.<br/><br/>Slowly, the elves closed in on the pair. One of them took Heston's body from the lap of Ry'kanos while the others helped Ry'kanos to his feet. He almost stumbled as he came to his feet. The elves crowded around him, silent save for stares of wonder. Heston had been considered one of their best warriors and this kinslayer had killed him. What would they do with him? Should they kill him? A quiet conversation erupted around the edge of the clearing, angry whispers cutting back and forth as they decided their fate. However, the Law was clear. Once challenged, Ry'kanos' fate had been Heston's to determine by the edge of his blade. When he lost his life to Ry'kanos' blade he had assured Ry'kanos' survival.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">"Heston was our leader. Now we are leaderless."</span>One of the elves in the clearing said.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">"We must convene the Moot and determine our next leader." </span>Another said. Angry arguments broke over this, and some of them looked away towards where Raida had led them away.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">"No, we must let the Elders gather and allow them to choose our next leader." </span>That acquired the most agreement and thus it was decided.<br/><br/>Ry'kanos saw none of this. He stumbled away from the clearing, desperately seeking out Raida and Slayer. He found her outside the clearing, near an old oak tree that leaned heavily over the stream that ran near the entrance to the cave. She had her back turned to him and he slowly made his way over. He felt weaker and weaker the closer he came to her, his vision darkening.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"Raida..,"</span>he grunted, finally falling to his knees but a few feet behind the she elf. He reached up with his one working hand and touched his lips, not surprised to find his fingers smeared in crimson when he pulled them away. A small smile touched his lips. Perhaps he would join the Mother Goddess after all.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"I am.. so.. tired."</span>He felt his eyelids grow heavy and he closed them gratefully. His world went black as he fell back and felt the stones collide with his back. Now, he would die. Now, he would find peace.