[She laughs quietly to herself, more a scorn at herself than anything directed at Rem. The irony of such a question is not lost on her...]
Had you asked me that almost a year ago, I might have told you protecting anyone did not matter. All that mattered was that I had my powers, and I could protect myself.
[Because Benedikta's first and only concern was herself.
That hand that had been resting over hers gives it a squeeze, and there's a pause as Benedikta's amber eyes rest intensely on Rem before she continues.]
Now. I am not so sure, little bird.
[Benedikta's own conflict draws her brows together again, this vulnerability making her skin crawl, but... it is important to her that Rem knows this.]
I have him and my powers now, but then? If I'd known, I... might have left them behind to follow him.
[It's still something that Benedikta is coming to terms with herself, and it has been a difficult journey. But knowing what she knows now, she fears her Eikon more than she reveres her these days.]
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Had you asked me that almost a year ago, I might have told you protecting anyone did not matter. All that mattered was that I had my powers, and I could protect myself.
[Because Benedikta's first and only concern was herself.
That hand that had been resting over hers gives it a squeeze, and there's a pause as Benedikta's amber eyes rest intensely on Rem before she continues.]
Now. I am not so sure, little bird.
[Benedikta's own conflict draws her brows together again, this vulnerability making her skin crawl, but... it is important to her that Rem knows this.]
I have him and my powers now, but then? If I'd known, I... might have left them behind to follow him.
[It's still something that Benedikta is coming to terms with herself, and it has been a difficult journey. But knowing what she knows now, she fears her Eikon more than she reveres her these days.]