His words seem to hit her with the force of a blow, and she flinches, and gives a slight grunt, tears beginning to fall from her eyes, passion filling her voice, as she replies. "Then answer me this, God of Choice; what choice do I have? Do I stand idly by, and do nothing, and watch helplessly as you descend into madness and damn us all? Do I continue as I have been, spitting into the wind, shouting at a thunderstorm, unable to get through to it, to do anything to change it from the path to destruction and ruin that I can see and it so clearly cannot, or, if it can, does not care, which is worse? Or do I intervene, draw its ire unto me, sacrifice myself, my honor, my dignity, even my people, if that is the price that must be paid, to ensure that others, those I do not even know, will get a chance to live and see tomorrow? That is no kind of choice, and that is why I acted. Not just for your sake, but for the sake of all, knowing that it would lead to this. I do not ask your forgiveness, but I beg of you, please, do not take your wrath out on those who have done nothing to harm you. If you must hate, hate me. If you must seek vengeance, then place it upon me, because I<em>chose</em>this path, and I would choose it again, if only it would mean that one more child might live to see another day." She drops to her knees, her head touching the bed. "Please."