"It gave me hope," Skellig says. "I know there were some that were beyond our assistance, but it felt right to at least try for the others, give them mercy when we were able."

Skellig is still bothered (and will be for at least a short while) at the blood spilled by his hands. But he does not show that outwardly and it will fade in enough time, as she works her fingertips over his skin.

"I know we cannot save them all. That is a given, no matter the circumstance," he admits. "But to see the majority of things change in the way we desired, I will come to deal with that."