[ He listens to her quietly, so wrapped up in thoughts of strength and power. Of being able to make hard decisions.

But the more he listens, the more he thinks that she's right. Even if the end result is the same, the moments in between are precious. ]

... If they're going to die, then I wouldn't want their last moments to be afraid. Especially not of me. [ They trusted him, and that, at least, is a comfort. If barely. ] Even knowing what the other option is, I don't think I could ever do it.

But it's still hard to live with.