There was an odd little smile on Raine's face at this. She didn't know Valdis well, admittedly, but such an overt admission of sentiment seemed at odds with what she knew of the woman. Fascinating. But she didn't draw attention to it, simply nodded. "I know people like that," she said, and her tone was somewhat fond. "An idealist, with the strength to back those ideals up more often than not."

Still they could only do so much. And here, there was only her. No Lloyd, no Colette. No determined idealists with the power to reshape worlds. Raine sighed, the smile fading. "But not always. May I ask you something similar in return? The boon I was given-- it's thoroughly intertwined with my abilities. There's a not inconsiderable possibility I may be turned against those I care about, and -- much as yourself -- I'd rather not put that weight on them." She had grown a little quieter, but no less matter-of-fact.