[ For her, the words come easily, but that does not mean she feels the significance behind them any less. Of course she loves Paul, and so, because of that, she loves Muad'Dib. To her, it is not blind devotion or anything fanatical, but simply the fact that she loves him and while circumstances may arise that see that love tested, she is confident in this moment that nothing will change how she feels.
But then Paul makes that statement and surprise shifts into something of worry. ]
Doing that would hardly aid you, Paul. You need the Fremen for your cause, because you need people with you to reach your aims. The last thing I intend is to be the reason your cause fails.
[ Of course she knows that Paul requires allies, and the Fremen are the ones he has chosen. Or was it the Fremen who chose him? Perhaps the path that Paul is on led him to the Fremen, so it was inevitable that they would work together.
If that is the case, that is even more reason for Bastila to not stand in the way. ]
I appreciate that, Paul, but if protecting me means jeopardizing your relations with the Fremen, then that is the last thing you should do. I understand your position as this house's leader, but there are things more important, aren't there?
[ Some things do trump familial connections, such as Paul's overarching goals. A part of Bastila would just as soon rely on Paul's protection, but the part of her that can recognize the importance of plans and allies recoils from that idea of simply letting Paul fulfill the role of protector, as to her, Paul's long term goals are of greater importance. ]
no subject
But then Paul makes that statement and surprise shifts into something of worry. ]
Doing that would hardly aid you, Paul. You need the Fremen for your cause, because you need people with you to reach your aims. The last thing I intend is to be the reason your cause fails.
[ Of course she knows that Paul requires allies, and the Fremen are the ones he has chosen. Or was it the Fremen who chose him? Perhaps the path that Paul is on led him to the Fremen, so it was inevitable that they would work together.
If that is the case, that is even more reason for Bastila to not stand in the way. ]
I appreciate that, Paul, but if protecting me means jeopardizing your relations with the Fremen, then that is the last thing you should do. I understand your position as this house's leader, but there are things more important, aren't there?
[ Some things do trump familial connections, such as Paul's overarching goals. A part of Bastila would just as soon rely on Paul's protection, but the part of her that can recognize the importance of plans and allies recoils from that idea of simply letting Paul fulfill the role of protector, as to her, Paul's long term goals are of greater importance. ]