Bearclaw Valley it's by the light of the plasma screens

Ashlar didn't expect any reassurance and, of course, did not receive any.  He felt the failure thick in his throat, and he did not look up as he heard her leave.

At home, baba and mama would have both praised him for the attempt.  They'd have shown what could be done to improve, patiently taught and quietly applauded when he learned.  This was not home, and more and more he was being shown that he would need to learn some things for himself.  

Maybe he'd failed, but he could try to do what he couldn't expect the silent queen to.  Ashlar drew himself up with a resolution, then began to stare at the place where the trails met.

No answers would come, but he'd remain and try a while longer, learning as he did.