[the pause is weighty, heavy with thought. from anyone else, the case would be enough for alia to agree, to allow her mind to win out, to cast the votes and react justice.
but she thinks of gale in sol & scroll, gale by the water's edge, gale seeing her wicked and wanting and wretched and not fleeing. and her heart stutters and rebels and wins out, once again. she has voted with it for every round thus far.
now:] Do you ask me to vote for your condemnation?
[ alia. just-alia. giggling at the faire, surrounded by her spoils. legs dangling in the water, the sun on her face. her sorrows in the remembrance pool. her laughter in the shop. her hurt, when he doubted her so recently.
he should be caged, for doing this to her. ]
No. You may, if the evidence demands it of you.
I am sorry I doubted you, when you acted with your heart. I do the same now. You've every right to despise me for it.
I only ask that you do not vote for Astarion's imprisonment or counter my case.
I will tell what I know, and no more. I will not name your dear one and I will not undermine your case.
And I will not despise you, Gale of Waterdeep. I could never.
[a beat. then:] And if the truth reveals you as culprit, I will not seek vengeance. Paul himself may decide what penance he requests, and he is as kind as I am wicked. There has been enough suffering, in these games.
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no subject
but she thinks of gale in sol & scroll, gale by the water's edge, gale seeing her wicked and wanting and wretched and not fleeing. and her heart stutters and rebels and wins out, once again. she has voted with it for every round thus far.
now:] Do you ask me to vote for your condemnation?
no subject
he should be caged, for doing this to her. ]
No. You may, if the evidence demands it of you.
I am sorry I doubted you, when you acted with your heart. I do the same now. You've every right to despise me for it.
I only ask that you do not vote for Astarion's imprisonment or counter my case.
no subject
And I will not despise you, Gale of Waterdeep. I could never.
[a beat. then:] And if the truth reveals you as culprit, I will not seek vengeance. Paul himself may decide what penance he requests, and he is as kind as I am wicked. There has been enough suffering, in these games.