Mother. [ He placates preemptively, as though the following information won't stoke any sort of discontent if he delivers it as he would any common missive. ]
The Deathwarden has challenged me to a duel in Queen Gilia's honor as rectification for her death.
[ it's starting to feel like she's lost any control she may have had over him and the prison situation. she hasn't even had the time to wrap her mind around the Gilia incident and now – another fight? ]
No. Aemond. I will have it called off. Lady Gilia wouldn't want--
I will face her challenge on the morrow at the Moot Hall.
[He's not going to decline, he's not a coward like Cesare had been. He made a choice, he's living with it. If he stops to think about anything otherwise, he will lose what edge he has.]
Your attendance isn't necessary. [ He won't flat out tell her not to come, although he'd prefer if she didn't. He's being reserved for both their sakes. ] I'm telling you now as I'd not want you to learn of it any other way.
[ the tone suggests he'd better not even try talking her out of it and she's not done speaking her mind-- ]
Why are you playing along with this? What happened to Lady Gilia was not the result of your bloodlust. Your hand was forced. Ianthe's challenge is unreasonable.
[ Refusing is cowardice, it's guilt. What well respected man would turn down an honorable challenge? What would it say about him to the other Void Touched, his watchmen, that he wouldn't fight? Cesare's challenge had been a public one, he crumbled beneath the pressure and backed away. His reputation is that of a cad and a coward. He would not be seen as the same. ]
She's formidable. In a trial of skill against skill, the gods may yet see me victorious. [ Will she choose to not believe in him as well? ]
[ haven't they suffered enough nightmares? why must he insist on having her experience another? ]
It is not a test of skill, Aemond! Your life is in danger and for what? What do you hope to gain from such a meaningless battle? Ianthe wants revenge, there is no honor in that.
[ She should consider it lucky that he wasn't killed in his cell before he could earn his freedom. Considering the many alternatives that could have occurred, this is the best resolution. She will see that with time. ]
You don't think I can win. [ That's what this is about. ]
[ no! again, he's not listening to her. she wants to scream. ]
Even if your life is spared, you will suffer great injuries. Your strength is needed now more than ever. I need it, your brother needs it. Our House needs it!
We shall see the result on the morrow, do not make haste to make such dire assumptions of mine own livelihood. [ Now he's raising his voice, just a little bit. If he afforded to think the way she does even for a day, he would be dead in the ground somewhere. She may not be wrong, but it's too late to change anything.
A pause, collecting himself. A reminder who he's speaking to. ] I'll hear nothing more of it.
[ she knew from the start that there would be no changing his mind, but it's still crushing – like a door slammed to her face. she swallows down her defeat, bitterly, cursing again his stubbornness and her own lack of control over him.
she could go to Ianthe, but not only would that not change anything, it would result in her losing his trust forever. ]
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voice ;
The Deathwarden has challenged me to a duel in Queen Gilia's honor as rectification for her death.
I have accepted it.
no subject
No. Aemond. I will have it called off. Lady Gilia wouldn't want--
no subject
[ Does no one think him capable of winning? The abundance of concern beginning to irritate him. ]
Let her settle her score. Worry not for me for once it is over, the matter will be done.
no subject
[ no, she won't allow her mind to wander there. ]
What will you do?
no subject
[He's not going to decline, he's not a coward like Cesare had been. He made a choice, he's living with it. If he stops to think about anything otherwise, he will lose what edge he has.]
Your attendance isn't necessary. [ He won't flat out tell her not to come, although he'd prefer if she didn't. He's being reserved for both their sakes. ] I'm telling you now as I'd not want you to learn of it any other way.
no subject
[ the tone suggests he'd better not even try talking her out of it and she's not done speaking her mind-- ]
Why are you playing along with this? What happened to Lady Gilia was not the result of your bloodlust. Your hand was forced. Ianthe's challenge is unreasonable.
no subject
She's formidable. In a trial of skill against skill, the gods may yet see me victorious. [ Will she choose to not believe in him as well? ]
no subject
It is not a test of skill, Aemond! Your life is in danger and for what? What do you hope to gain from such a meaningless battle? Ianthe wants revenge, there is no honor in that.
no subject
You don't think I can win. [ That's what this is about. ]
no subject
Even if your life is spared, you will suffer great injuries. Your strength is needed now more than ever. I need it, your brother needs it. Our House needs it!
no subject
A pause, collecting himself. A reminder who he's speaking to. ] I'll hear nothing more of it.
[ He's hanging up. ]
no subject
she could go to Ianthe, but not only would that not change anything, it would result in her losing his trust forever. ]