Path managed a smile for his mate, hiding his hurting wing. They had more pressing matters at hand. Holding Skylark close, he nodded at Edge and turned his attention back to the horizon and the great distance they stilk had to cover. Still no shelters or safe havens in sight. At the very least, the smog had cleared up just the slightest bit and the sky above was as bright as it could possibly ever be in this wasteland. So, he was assured that it wouldn't rain on them anytime soon. Maybe their fortunes were finally turning or some great celestial being in the heavens had taken pity on their plight and pilgrimage and decided to give them this one saving grace of a day. Whatever it msy have been ;coincidence or fate, Path was grateful for it.

 The silence hung over them thickly, seemingly sewing everyone's lips shut and cutting off their tongues. Pathwas thinking of some way to fill it, of something to say that would start a conversation, but truthfully, there wasn't very much to say, lest they decide to address the elephant in the room and speak of the war. Path worried, still unsure of what side Edge would take, of what side he, himself should take. Unbeknownst to him, Sleipnir was wondering the exact same thing.

 The young dragon was still pondering over the hydra's words, wondering exactly what Daddy was going to do. Tightly, he wrapoed his arms around Edge, unwilling to let Daddy go. If they wanted him, Sleipnir would go too! He wasn't going to lose his family like that! So it was with great enthusiasm did he back up his brother when he spoke, "Yeah! Daddy can't go!" Then winced as Skylark commanded Daddy, turning his head to peek at his brother, astonished at his sudden attitude and the power of his eyes, "Sky....?"

 He looked back up at Edge, reaching out to wipe away Daddy's tears when he was dropped onto the ground as Edge went slack, "Daddy!" He cried, staring up at Edge. Ignoring the bump on his head, he stood and tugged at Edge's shirt, trying to draw a reaction from Daddy. This was wrong, it felt wrong. Why wasn't Daddy picking him up and saying sorry and rubbing the bump on his head...why was Daddy's eyes so blank?"

 Path stared, just as surprised, as his son brought his mate down to his knees. He stared down at the beaming baby dragon that quickly looked away for fear it might happen to him too, "Skylark.., Skylark no, that's...very wrong of you." He stepped over to Edge and placed Skylark down to his tearful brother. Cupping Edge's cheek, he spoke his name, hoping to break the trance just by that. No good, "Edge...Edgey? Can you hear me, it's path,....path-path. Can you hear me? Do you understand? Skylark, undo this...you can't, do this to Daddy. It's bad."