I get all the reasons for the "battles are ugly" line -- I just like it better tying it to children rather than gender -- yes, product of time, midst of war, etc. etc. And yes, they are children too but Mary is making the choice, a very clear choice, as you presented it, so it does all tie up neatly.

As for H&M, that would be lovely, of course, if you are so inclined. My writing isn't for everyone and I've lost most of my original readers for whatever reasons and H&M has one of the oddest feedback patterns ever. I can't figure it out for the life of me.