The fact that she is so awash in confusion in a time where she should finally be able to have just a little bit of peace frustrates her greatly. Of course she did not think that when it was all over she would spend the rest of her days lounging, but she thought that there would at least be a small sense of clarity.

But there isn’t any. Ben is telling her the truth, at least what he believes it to be. That much she knows. He’s dead and she’s alive but somehow they are both here, and they are both there. It doesn’t make any sense, but he’s telling her the truth.

Their food arrives and for a moment she is nearly distracted by it all, eyes widening slightly at what she considers to be a grand feast, but Ben draws her attention back. This time she cannot help herself. She leans over and takes his hands, curling her fingers around his wide palms.

“They were not for nothing,” she says, voice quiet but full of conviction. “No matter what happens here, it wasn’t for nothing.”

Suddenly, she remembers the moment of serenity she felt on Exegol when she first saw Ben in the dyad, and realized what he had done. It felt like pieces clicking into place, like relief and joy and pride all at once. The feeling couldn’t linger, not with the matter at hand, but she still felt it. She pushes that feeling out towards Ben through their bond, smiling a little as she squeezes his hands and nods.

“I’m proud of you,” she breathes out. “Ben.”