Second day of Richass Week! Comfort!

Disclaimer: Tales of Graces doesn't belong to me.

Richard didn't know how to help him. Beside him, sitting on the bed, Asbel had his head between his hands, crying, and Richard didn't know what to do. In front of them, lying on another bed, Kerri Lhant was sleeping for the eternity. She died of a rare disease and even though they did all their best, even though that Richard helped the family to pay the aids and the research, the woman died peacefully during the night, two days ago. When Richard had received the letter, he had come to Lhant as soon as possible.

And now, he was beside his best friend, not knowing what to do. He didn't have time to mourn for his father or his uncle and, in any case, he wasn't that close with them. Of course, he loved his father, but when he had died, he didn't have time to cry. But now, it was different.

Even though they didn't agree over a lot of thing – especially about that wedding problem – Asbel had a strong link with his mother. Asbel wasn't there when his father had died, and he had always deplored it; now, even if he had been there for his mother, he hadn't been able to help her.

"Asbel…" Richard said softly.

The young Lord looked at him, with his reddish eyes, and it panged the king of Windor. He didn't like seeing Asbel like that; to tell the truth, it was the first time he saw him like that. He took his best friend in his arms and spoke softly.

"It's okay…Everything will be fine."

"How can it be fine when she won't be by my side anymore?" Asbel shivered and Richard closed his eyes.

How could he comfort him? He didn't know how to act, what to say. He could only be by his sides during these rough days. It wasn't a big thing, but at least, he could do it.

"It's fine. She wouldn't have wanted to see you crying, Asbel."

"How can you know?"

"Because she's your mother, and she doesn't want to see his sons sad because of her. She wants to see her children being happy. It's all that she wants."

To tell the truth, Richard wasn't convinced himself. It was true, Kerri loved her sons more than anything, but he didn't know if this kind of sentences could help his friend.

"It's better like that, huh…? She isn't in pain anymore…"

Richard lowered his eyes. He had heard that during her last days, Kerri had been in a big pain, and he knew that Asbel hadn't liked to see her in this state. It was probably better, now.

"Now, she's with your father, and they protect Hubert and you from where they are."

Asbel looked at his friend, tired, and nodded. Richard smiled shyly and hugged the young man. He couldn't understand Asbel's feeling; or at least a little bit, and he wasn't the best to comfort him. But he could be by his side during this rough moment.