I have never liked sacrifices, though I know they are necessary to appease the gods. I suppose it is because I have never understood why the gods would ask for more bloodshed and death, especially when there has been so much already. Perhaps I should not question such things, but I have always wondered about it. I cringe and look away as each man is sent into the afterlife. I want to run away from this place when the last man screams in agony, but I stand firm at the farthest edge of the gathering.

Looking across the way, I see Eoghain speaking with Cearas. He appears distressed as he was the night before. After the gathering at the inn, Eoghain insisted upon seeing me to my father's taigh. We talked very little as he had much on his mind at the time, as I am sure he does now. He barely said goodnight as we arrived to find Nieve waiting for me. She stayed with me as was her father's command. Though we know so little of one another, she was pleasant enough and did not ask any questions.

I stand in this place now, wondering what the new day will bring, hoping this last show of violence will allow us to have some peace to bury the dead and rebuild shattered lives.