Had Felih's guilt not been so grave, perhaps he would've gone to Francel for comfort. Perhaps they could have leaned on each other in the misery that followed, perhaps they could've bared their hearts to each other. But Felih Tia could be a coward- and it grew harder to face the man with each passing day.

The petals being scattered and spread make him wince, seeing the petals vanish, white like the snow-laden winds consuming them, carrying them out of sight.

They both cared for Haurchefant deeply- why should they not support each other in the mourning? Felih has to take a deep, shuddering breath, the cold air stinging at lungs that aren't made for the cold. He can't stay out much longer, lest his breathing become impaired.

But with that breath, he steels his resolve and steps forward, a hand gently coming to rest on Francel's, trying to make him pause in the flowers' mutilation. "I have not been... the friend I should have been. I'm- I'm not proud of it, Francel, and I'm sorry. I can't.... ever apologize enough, but if there's... there's anything I can do for you..." he trails off.

Favors, tasks and jobs, even just calls for companionship or someone to confide in- who else would understand the heartache more?