[b]Kiriala[/b]

A Tier 1 feint? Definitely not what you should have used had you wanted to win the fight. But when you're only in the tournament because your nation has called you up - because [i]someone else[/i] has decided that you need to be here right now - then it's not really something you've ever been that invested in winning, isn't it?

I mean, sure - you'll [i]try [/i]to win out of some basic desire to show your ability, to prove your loyalty and worth to Hybrasil. But whether its for Mother Hybrasil, or just Mother, they don't really love their children in the same way as real mothers are meant to. They won't make time for you. They won't put your needs above theirs. And they won't let you think that you deserve it.

And that's the thing, Kiriala, that Isabelle is trying to help you understand.

You really [i]do [/i]deserve it.

It's in the way that she delicately dismantles your defences. In the way she keeps talking, even as her sword flashes out, speaking of the similarities you two share - bonded by duty and a sense of obligation that just isn't healthy sometimes. In the way she gently peels apart your technique, showing that she really has been paying attention to you - that you are deserving of that attention - and that anyone who doesn't give it to you, who doesn't see how much you want to really be somewhere else, doesn't deserve your attention in return.

Softly, insistently, almost lovingly, she breaks your guard.

And rests the point of her sword against your chest, feather light.

You can still fight back from this position if you really want. She's not taking that choice from you. The decision is yours to make. Knock the blade to the side, take a hit for Mother Hybrasil and keep the battle going. Endure the pain - in both senses - just to keep yourself away from Shantriala that bit longer.

But do you really want to? Or would you rather recognise the opportunity Isabelle is giving you?

Just go to her. Now.

You can do it.

[Roll to Entice: 5 + 6 + 3 = [b]14[/b]. Taking a string and offering her the out.]