Beatrice almost shuddered as David's hands touched hers, although not one of trepidation. She followed David's instruction for each successive slice, gently and with precision. Upon conclusion she gently rendered the knife to David's possession and, almost instinctively, bowed her head as David prayed. As David blew the candle and led her she followed, somewhat in an uncertain state, but one she was certain in nonetheless.
After David spoke Beatrice sighed, "As far as I'm concerned, you've no need to explain yourself, that should be my station. I was scorned, I gave into it, I said such hateful and hastily crafted statements toward you, it weighs upon me each day, I was weak in those moments. I was under siege and I assumed the mentality that everyone was an enemy, damn it David, he has stolen so much from me, even my emotions," she said in reference to Charles Offdensen. "And I played right into it, so much so that I could never have imagined a scenario which would see us speak again as friends. Can you ever forgive me for my weakness?"
David's presentation of the knife, and the meaning behind it, was not lost upon her. "It has been a long road and there is still much before us but," she paused, "In the depth of it all, I felt like I had betrayed you, I didn't try hard enough, I didn't live up to the standards we had established, each day it cut as a thousand knives that I was so powerless, but I should have remembered my friend who died and came back to defeat his usurper," she said with a gentle thrust to his side with her elbow. "No matter how long the road, no matter the circumstances, we'll make this right I know. I've missed you so much," she paused to keep her composure, "Outside of the Dartfordians, I always looked on you and yours as family, and though there's so much more I would wish to say I know we've little time."
"As for the Hassfurt types," she said with a grin, "I can't abide policies based on race or genetics, but I also believe that there's hope in all people that you may see a brighter side that may not be readily apparent. Are they lost to the dark, I don't automatically assume as such, but I also know that there is a chance they may be drawn toward a more....inclusive future? I'd need to speak with them more before I revise my first impression, I'm afraid."
"Also," she paused, "thank you. It's not lost on me, and I'll do what I can to make it easier on you at home. I look forward to the day we can share yet again in the open sun."
