trusthell | Take Responsibility.

The time allotted for investigation this week is a bit longer than normal - not due to anything done wrong on the part of the Apprentices, but perhaps due to a basic understanding that two corpses are going to be decidedly more difficult to handle than one. However, at the end of the time period you've been given, the elevator is waiting for you, as cold and sterile as always in its journey up to the courtroom; you're down to almost half of your original number, and if anything is going to indicate that this shows no signs of stopping, it's probably this week.

The deceased have had three more join their numbers since you were here last - Gold, Varric, and Viktor's portraits have been greyed-out and set atop their spots in the podium circle, the podiums themselves draped in black fabric.

As always, the lectern above stands empty.

Whether he's with you or not, however, once everyone has found their place in the circle, the Wordsmith's voice can be heard throughout the room.

"Welcome back. Two more Apprentices are missing from your number today, and I have little doubt that weighs heavily on your minds. Balanced and Capricious have been lost to you, so that the guilty may have a chance to leave the academy and possibly even gain something otherwise impossible to attain.

If you wish for your fallen Apprentices to receive justice in death, then you know what to do: yet again, hold the guilty accountable."

Sixteen Apprentices remain. However many leave here at the end of the day has yet to be seen.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Please don't do this to her Killia....]

I... I...

[She doesn't even know what to say, but... right.]

I'm... sorry if I've hurt you.

It's not that. You really are like Lieze.

She was as kind as strong as you are, and she was the one who got me to realize that things didn't have to be all about strength. I failed her, and I didn't want to fail you too.

[ So he tried to keep his distance as best he could.]

[She gulps, and there's a moment of hesitation, but she does decide to approach him and she gives him a firm embrace.]

You wouldn't have failed me, Killia. I know that... that you're very kind, and strong, and... and you made us great food, and you checked in on me and...

...and that you were a wonderful friend to me. You taught me how to fight with my fists... and...

[She's going to lean her head against his chest.]

...I don't know what to do knowing you're... going to be gone soon.

[ She gets a hug back that's a firm one for once. He really does like touch a lot, it's just...hard.]

Survive, I know you're strong enough. You're stronger than I could ever hope to be.

I'll... keep fighting. And I'll survive.

[She knows she needs to let go soon, but she feels like the moment she does that it's over.]

I'll... I'll fight with everything I have and I won't give up!

You can beat him, all of you can.

[...]

I'm sorry I wasn't more honest with you. I promised myself I would never turn into that demon again.

You... were fighting something on your own. I... am proud you fought as long as you could. If I could have helped, I would have, but... it sounds like I... would have been the last person who could have.

[Right... this... needs to end. Reluctantly she lets go of him.]

I'm... happy that I met you, Killia, and that we could become friends.

...I'm happy I could be your friend too, even if I wasn't a very good one.

[ But at least he can admit that now.]

[Hearing that does make her smile.]

No, you were a wonderful one. So, thank you. Thank you you cooking for me. Thank you for comforting me. Thank you for letting me feel your wings.

[Her smile fades.]

I only wish we could have remained friends... longer...

[Her voice cracks at that last word as tears stream down her face once more. She has to stop herself from going in and hugging again.]

So... people write letters, right, those who passed on? Can... you please write me one? And tell me you're okay?

I'll try, I still don't... [ He feels like he'll be different somehow, because he's a demon. And there was still that matter of Killidia but.]

If I can I will. [ ! Speaking of that.] In my room, I wrote down a curry recipe for you.

I'll... I'll be sure to get it.

[Probably tomorrow because she's going to fucking break down after this trial.]

Take Responsibility.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject