[After a few seconds of silence, Berna lets out a puff of breath. If it was just a matter of pride, it wasn't the best idea to try and appeal to her considering her own pride, willing to continue being flippant. She has to remind herself that it wasn't just about her. She involved had Oren, Iona, and Michael involved in a (small- look, it's small to her) mess none of them could have anticipated.

She could hear Oren chiding her gently in her head for her own decision-making and she feels more irritated, but more able to concede. Emil is looking at her expectantly and she finally turns to look the brothers squarely in the eyes.]

I won't apologize for something none of us could foresee. But... [An index is raised to punctuate her next point.]

I can understand. I do in fact. You don't live as long as I have without a stumble or two.