No, I don't believe we did. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that most of us made our decisions with the best interests in mind. And I hope we won't have to do this ever again.

[ even if what they wanted didn't always align with the results in the end. fate, as always, works in mysterious ways. who's to say that if they'd stayed, the deaths would be lessened? strife is unavoidable.

he knows this. and yet, it's difficult to reconcile.

he leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he searches her expression. his smile is wan, but earnest. ]

But you aren't alone, Marcille. Let us share some of that burden.