[center][h1][b]Iraleth Kyrios[/b][/h1][/center]

Iraleth stared at Ciara for a long moment, her expression incredulous. A brief sideways glance at Hildegunde. Then she spoke.

[b]"What are you [i]doing[/i]?"[/b] The half-elf forced herself out of her chair, barely able to stand at this point. A limping step. Then another. She interspersed herself between Ciara and Nicole, facing the former. 

[b]"You come all this way to Wingram, make it through the trials with us, only to throw it away at the last moment? Whatever secrets you want to conceal, do you honestly believe that they will be worse than being labeled an Umbralist?"[/b]

One hand fell down to the hilt of her sheathed sword, resting on it. 

[b]"Head Advisor, as the challenged party in this duel, you do have the right to name a champion."[/b]

This was her fault for bringing the subject up in the first place. Iraleth still wasn't sorry she'd done so, but allowing the Undermage to fight her battles for her had never been the plan.

[b]"Allow me to stand in your place."[/b] A sudden cut rent itself onto Iraleth's face out of nowhere, Rebound already affecting her as she struggled to eke out yet more power. [b]"By all means, if you want to keep your secrets, either strike me down, or force me to burn my Essence out. I do not quit."[/b]

No, Nicole's presence was just hedging Iraleth's bets should she prove to be wrong. If Ciara was just going to hang herself with the lifeline offered to her. 

[b]"Or, take the third, [i]sane[/i], option. Retract your challenge, stand down, and speak truthfully. The fact that you go to these lengths suggests you fear judgement. Prove yourself above your fears and answer the question, or prove my best-case hopes about you wrong. What will it be?"[/b]

[@Estylwen] [@Sifr]