[...hm.] A scab that has festered for what feels like centuries to you. And one so deep-seated at that...

[Many are the walks of life the heroes she has taught come from. Some were looking for a better lot in life than they were given. Others, such as Cu Chulainn, were the price of a rash decision made. Still others were born with the desire to live a short, fulfilling life on the fields of war.

In Dimitri, she sees another such deadly hound. No -- a bloodthirsty boar.] Bear in mind I say this not to justify what happened, but as an explanation.

Such is the way of politicking in unfamiliar grounds, and even those you have earned the trust of for what you feel as long enough... you must always show one hand and hide a dagger in the other. Compared to gaining trust, betrayal of such binding oaths comes swiftly, unrepentant of who it claims in its flames. Our kind have measures against it, a geas, if you will. But such things can be a weapon used against you.

Having said that, however, your loss was... preventable. The fact none stepped in to do so is an accomplishment in disregard for life.