[ Her face is not shocked, but there is an air of gentle surprise in it, the way her mouth opens in a gentle 'o', and the way she looks very nearly taken aback by his statement. It's fervent, and it is... with meaning.

That 'o' transformed into a small smile, as he continued, and she could not help but shake her head. ]

That is very kind of you, though not something I would truly encourage. Without that which motivated me toward Meridian, I am... [ Here, she pursed her lips, and made a soft popping sound, as she considered how to say what she was thinking. Really, dragging out the truth. ]

I would kill any who stood in my way. I still would now, but I know the meaning of restraint. I was... even further into the throes of madness and villainy, when I was younger.