[ at his question, her smile and good demeanor fade into something a little more somber. melancholy, almost. ]

I would like to think I haven't changed, but I know that's not true.

[ she made herself change. hardened herself until she could do what needed to be done and bear the weight on her actions on her conscience. mercy, something she once preached, became something she nearly let slip through her fingers. thank the maker for ellana showing her the error in her thinking. ]

But I don't think the important things are different. [ at least, not now that she is listening to her heart again. ]