"My cause?" Natalie couldn't have chosen a more baffling way to put it. As the word slips from her own mouth, Isidor's eyes narrow once more. "If you truly knew my cause then you'd know how ridiculous you sound. No, you're more content to judge me and place yourself as the righteous fool."

Isidor lifts her chin. She's too tired to sound offended or angry. "You don't respect my role. How can I blame you? You clearly know nothing about it. So persistently blind to the fact that I sent gods and guardians and warriors out there, and warned all of you of the dangers ahead. You volunteered, and then you judge me. Me. Who you know nothing about."

She tilts her head ever so slightly to one side. "Have you been taught politics or warfare? Disaster relief or management? Do you know the full extent of damage that rioting, lawlessness and violence can do? Do you know how difficult it is to maintain law and order while people are being fed water and pine cones? While many of the strongest people are out protecting the volunteers? Do you think people weren't eyeing each other up and starting to see meat?"

"And you judge me. Without ever knowing me. Or asking me what I am feeling or experiencing. All because I won't let your self-flagellation or self-righteousness kill you." Isidor scoffs. "What a villain I am."