Would that fate had seen fit to send Pike rather than him, Vax'ildan considered not for the first time, someone who could do so much more good in this strange land. She knew what it was to bring people together, to put them to work towards a common goal, leading by example. She always knew the kind words and small gesture that might reach someone, if anything would.

"I think it's different, for different people," Vax admitted after a long moment, left to fend for advice on his own. "I find the quiet of this place difficult. There's so little that needs to be done, and it's easy to focus on what's been lost. But I think that finding something to do in a day, every day - even small things - may help it. And being able to talk with someone, or have company at least."