[ As he speaks, she listens attentively. What he tells of his world lines up with what she knows about it from others, that the Dominants are tools of war, that magic taxes them. The news about his world having mothercrystals is new, however, as well as them being the source of draining the world of its vitality.

It's impossible not to be sympathetic to that. If there was something or someone draining her world, when she's done all she can to help protect it... she would fight against it. ] I'm guessing no one knew what the Mothercrystals were truly doing. Hurting your world, I mean.

[ That's not what Orience's Crystals are doing, she's certain. The Crystals only offer their blessing. ]

It makes sense to consider that a curse. As well as... being chosen without your knowing. [ The l'cie, at least, not only gain power, but immortality. They sacrifice their humanity and will so they might protect others. ]