Both the unstoppable force and the immovable object, a mother bear will protect her cubs until she draws her last breath. But, what if there never is a last breath? What if, however many times you cast her down, she always returns renewed? After all, you cannot kill the devil...
Now, why does that sound familiar?... Never mind that, Calysta, she fancies herself the mother bear of the Tenno. Trying to fill the shoes of an absentee mother, the best she can, even after that mother has returned. Does she even deserve to be called that anymore? Did she at all?
A mother guides, a mother provides, and most importantly... A mother protects. It never should have been the duty of children to save her, the children never should have felt the cold hand of death... However temporary it was. And, the old man never should have had to perish in front of them. Even before that... Did she really guide? Did she really provide? Or was she using them? Using us. Did she ever really give us the choice? I don't remember getting one... We were good little soldiers from day one, or well, part of me was. Things get complicated when timelines touch. Was she a guiding hand, or was her hand holding a leash? Having to even question that shows how poorly she filled the role. We're all damaged, well we were before she came in to the picture, but she only furthered it. How many secrets untold? How many doors sealed shut from us? Then, the person who was most honest to us? Died. He died, because of her mistake. Ah, I'm rambling... Maybe it comes with speaking about yourself? Or, part of yourself? Again, complicated. Back to our mother bear... She prefers a more personal touch. Less guidance from a safe place, more stepping in with direct intervention. A tangible hand, extended to help the Tenno who need it. A tangible body between them, and those that would cause harm. A mother who protects. Not a mother who needs protection.
Maybe it's a complex, maybe it's how she copes with her own trauma? Maybe it's just out of the kindness of her heart? Who really knows, I can tell you even she doesn't. But, what I do know? She will put her life on the line to protect you. She won't even think about it. She will offer her hand to you if need it. And, she will expect nothing in return. Whether it be the crack of a whip, a hail of bullets, or a bone chilling howl; she will be there for her children. Her brothers and sisters. Her family. There are fewer things more frightening than a mother bear defending her cubs. Now, normally you might say something along the lines of... May the gods have mercy on those who would do them harm. But, no. Those gods better stay out of her way, too.