week 2, after the trial

[arbalestrier]

['Demoralized' is probably an appropriate word for the mood around the trial room (or at least for a portion of the people in there, anyway). Tense is another, considering the outcome and what led to it. He didn't miss the tone Hwylryn took with her at the accusation, and he wouldn't be surprised if others took issue with her at the very end.

So, he's going to quietly tail Andrew when she leaves the ballroom. He's quiet and doesn't make his presence known for a bit, but eventually he starts walking normally, so it's pretty clear that he's following although he won't outpace her.]

Comments

[distain]

[At the moment, her main goal is to get back to the villa before she loses consciousness again. It isn't quite as timely as it was last week - the rain really did do something, even compared to smoke inhalation - but it's right on schedule for her.

Once he does make his steps noticeable, Andrew picks up on it fairly quickly, despite the onset of her symptoms.]

Have you been there long? I'd have preferred it if you jumped out swiftly from the shadows like an assassin.

[She didn't know he was there until he was noticeable, but it's not like he came out of nowhere.]

[arbalestrier]

Many assassinations occur in broad daylight.

[That is as far as an answer he could give, but after a moment of thought, he adds:]

But it's been approximately five minutes. I followed you out the ballroom.

[distain]

Many others still occur before the assassin is even seen. [He's right, of course. Maybe that's why she shows little tension or fear, or maybe there's something else that prevents her from expressing it.]

Why did you follow me from the ballroom?

[arbalestrier]

It's good you recognize that.

[There's a hint of approval in his otherwise even voice. If she knows that, then that's a good sign (to him).]

I was concerned someone might target you.

[distain]

[It should be obvious that she's thought about it, too, either because of her observation about assassins or the general alertness to her nature - Andrew seems bright-eyed and perceptive, though also fidgety in way someone might during the lead-up to a terrible migraine.]

Someone would be stupid to do it now; right away, anyway. [Though her emotions are also stomy - she isn't dealing well with the thought of failure.] Still, is this... protection? That you're offering me? At least until I make it to my bed.

[arbalestrier]

[At this point, Sousuke increases his pace somewhat so he's caught up to her, although he maintains a respectful distance away. She's right about the timing being stupid, but there's still plenty of reason to worry, in his mind.]

Yes. I can also offer it for longer, if necessary.

[distain]

Wouldn't that put you in the perfect position to try something yourself?

[Andrew lets that hold for a beat, though there really isn't genuine suspicion in her voice. She sounds practical but tired.]

Why do you want to offer your protection to me?

[arbalestrier]

[His brows furrow at the suggestion that he might take advantage, although it's more thoughtful than offended. However, it reverts back to something more neutral when he answers.]

To prevent another murder and trial. Someone may take issue with your actions, so I thought it would be prudent to offer.

[distain]

Those who would should also be a little worried... We know what can happen to an innocent who's wrongfully accused now.

[There's a bitterness in her voice, though - at being fooled for something that she already knew. It's not difficult to deduce that Andrew knows what a wrongful accusation can do.]

Is this just out of the goodness of your heart?

[arbalestrier]

[If he picks up on that bitterness, it's hard to tell. He doesn't argue the point though; he doesn't exactly disagree with the statement.

There's a blink when she asks him that, though.]

I'm not after compensation, if that's what you're asking. And while you seem to be an easier target than most, I don't intend on harming you.

[distain]

You don't have an opportunistic bone in your body, do you? [She chuckles, and, like everything about her tonight, it has a humorless and dark tone to it. She owns her desperation, her determination. She'd have done anything...anything.]

No, I suppose good tactics is always about taking advantage of the best opportunity, which isn't the most obvious. I'm grateful for your offer. I suppose... people who don't show their anger towards me so openly are the ones I'm most worried about watching.

[Clever ones...the ones who might try to frame the more openly emotional, as would play right into the little game that Ish has set for them to play.]