Taken up in his hold, s'Il wrapped her own arms around him in relief at his words. It was comforting to hear, and she took heart in that. She lingered a moment longer, his presence a reassuring thing, and when the sound of Kes' footsteps met her ears, the Lupine finally pulled away. She let out a long breath, as if unburdening herself of her inner pains for the duration of this visit. It was a time for healing, after all. When those still alive came together to celebrate the lives that had been lost.

Except, for so long it had been the core group - herself, Meiers, Samus, Marlon, Kes, and... and Dan.

The heartbreak came from the knowledge that they were two fewer, and it was because of one of those no longer present. However, if she was to be honest with herself, she was also responsible. She was also responsible for Marlon's death.

She kept the sobering thought to herself, and accepted the glass that Kes extended to her.

"Thank you, Kes."