Even though Alayne knew it would come, had suspected that this would be the matter at hand the moment she had realized it was his message waiting for her, having the subject breeched still manages to surprise her — albeit in a passing sort of way. There is part of Alayne that is no doubt pleased, for this is the first time that one of her plans (however modest and meager) has come to pass. (Her father would want her to be proud, that is as much a part of the game as the rest.) But another part of her, a larger part, still feeling sympathy clutch hard inside her, pitying him. ]
I said the offer would hold and it has held. You've proven nothing but generous to me and my father, Murphy; I would not answer such generosity with a turned cheek. [ A pause, a breath and then it is clear in her voice that Alayne is smiling, albeit softly. (Reassuringly.) Just as her father had made her brave, so too she could lend Murphy this semblance of strength (or at least the passing illusion of it). ] In swearing you pledge to protect me and mine — my father and my person, the wolf that has been placed in my charge.
[audio]
Even though Alayne knew it would come, had suspected that this would be the matter at hand the moment she had realized it was his message waiting for her, having the subject breeched still manages to surprise her — albeit in a passing sort of way. There is part of Alayne that is no doubt pleased, for this is the first time that one of her plans (however modest and meager) has come to pass. (Her father would want her to be proud, that is as much a part of the game as the rest.) But another part of her, a larger part, still feeling sympathy clutch hard inside her, pitying him. ]
I said the offer would hold and it has held. You've proven nothing but generous to me and my father, Murphy; I would not answer such generosity with a turned cheek. [ A pause, a breath and then it is clear in her voice that Alayne is smiling, albeit softly. (Reassuringly.) Just as her father had made her brave, so too she could lend Murphy this semblance of strength (or at least the passing illusion of it). ] In swearing you pledge to protect me and mine — my father and my person, the wolf that has been placed in my charge.