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[unapparent]

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@hightower

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[unapparent]

If we have learned anything today, it is that we cannot protect all, but we must protect as many as we can. And you will. I know it.

[ she hesitates. then — ]

I ask that you tell no one of this, not even my Aemond or your Hawk. Not sweet Koby or Lady Baela.

There is another role. That of the Witch, who can return one of the dead to us. If they have spoken true, Jacaerys may yet live.

[ not rhaenyra. her heart pangs. ]

[holyposition]

I've said your other secrets to no one, and I'll keep this one too.

The witch. Can you say who?

[ That changes things. At least some. One less death to mourn, if they are not found and carried first to the slaughter. The one brought back could potentially name their killer. This is good.

What about Rhaenyra? The question is on his tongue, and he's grateful that it does not reach his fingertips. It'll only cause her more pain, all the what-ifs and impossible choices that come with it. ]

[unapparent]

Thank you.

No, I have sworn it.
Their role will be targeted above all, for bringing back one and not another, for allowing the dead to name their accused themselves. I fear they will make enemies of all.

I tell you this in case the witch and I are both targeted, so that there is one who knows why the Prince Jacaerys yet lives and will be unafraid to speak true.

[ so that jace is not thought of as a ruse or abomination, merely another potential outcome of the game. ]

[holyposition]

I respect that.

Do you know if they must reveal themselves to use that power? Because if not, the killers will think it's you or your family.

I'm not saying they shouldn't save him, obviously. There's just...too many possibilities. I'm driving myself crazy.

I'll speak on it if I need to. But I won't. You will be alright, Alicent.

[unapparent]

To my knowledge, they need not reveal themselves. I only know of it because their services come to my family at a price.

[ one that she has agreed to pay, evidently. ]

They have already targeted us, Tim. Two dead, my son nearly accused. Baela has been exposed as a necromancer, communing with the dead. Our accusation carried the day, and our remaining numbers represent a danger, particularly to the one who killed Rhaenyra.

If Baela and I are not targeted, I must look more closely at those who love me best.

[ because any wolf playing to win will surely leave the vampires to be suspect. the only other large alliance crumbled in the final round of voting. ]

[holyposition]

I know your family has been targeted. And it may be, again.

But I promised that you would be safe here as long as I'm around, and the game doesn't change that. Have some faith in me.

[unapparent]

Oh, Tim.
You have been a finer knight than most sworn swords, who promised their very lives to me and mine.

My faith in you remains unshaken.

[ she does not say, but the stranger comes for us all. he is still young, and should not know that pain just yet. ]

[holyposition]

Thank you.

[ We are...perhaps past the point of humbly insisting that he is no such thing. The present danger demands that he accept the role. ]

Harry said he was making you something for protection. Maybe he can do something to help you sleep, too.

[unapparent]

Harry found me after the vote with his gift. He’s a good man.

[ once, there were none who would take her side. now, she finds herself overwhelmed by the kindnesses offered. ]

I fear I could not stomach any draught, knowing of the danger as I do, but I promise I will endeavour to rest some.
I ask that you do the same.

[holyposition]

He is. I think he's trustworthy. He's made one for me, too.

I'll try. Hawk will force me if I don't put this phone down soon. I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Be safe.

[unapparent]

Good, that is heartening to hear.

May the Warrior guard you both.