"Ah. Something we have not yet covered, I think. Divorcing yourself as you are normally from yourself as a healer. When you are in battle or in the tents afterward tending to the wounded you must be able to step back from the situation so you might focus on the work. Becoming too distressed or upset can effect the quality of your healing, Sam, and the quality of the care you offer. It is no easy thing. It takes practice." She reaches out to squeeze Sam's hand, too tired to be light and darting about it, actually hanging on for a few moments more than she would normally. "You meant well. But you cannot hold such things against yourself. Not when there is work to be done. Regrets must come afterward, if at all."

The softness of her voice is punctuated by the bubbling of the kettle on the coals; Adelaide leaves the two of them to sit and speak while she prepares to steep some hot, soothing tea for the three of them.