[Experience. Yes. Beatrix’s instinct is to protest that her own crimes are surely worse than anything Dohalim did with the people of Viscint. (Or didn’t do, as the case was.) But that is an unfair thing to say and this, for once, is not a competition betwixt the two of them. She ought not to view it as such.

She does not seem so convinced. That may be coloured by her own perspective. It hurts far more to be betrayed by someone one loves than otherwise. On the contrary, in her perspective, those who have grown close to her or harboured affection for her in their own way have even more of a reason to dislike her. It truly can go in any number of ways. Some may feel an understanding for her position, those who know the whole of the situation. Some may simply feel she’s gone too far and she’s irredeemable. Some may simply not know what to think and require the time to consider where their feelings lie.

Nothing about any of that is simple.]

Far easier said than done on all accounts, Dohalim.

[But he knows that, too.]

I should think that all I can do, all I wish to do, is provide answers to those with questions. The judgements others make of me, I would want them to be honest with themselves for it. Perhaps that is defeatist of me to say. Regardless of my situation, how things came to be, the things I did or said or believed, the person I am now, sometimes… the intention does not matter, only the end result. I have to be willing to accept that. I fear the loss of those around me, but at the same time, I want to honour those who I consider close. And their feelings.

[Loosing another long, drawn-out sigh, Beatrix dips down to the table, resting her cheek against her wrist in consideration.]

I will do my best to simply proceed forward and handle things as they come.