Amalia
For my part, I know nothing with any certainty
There is something incredibly liberating in passing on the reins. As soon as Ronin stands in her place Amalia can feel her tension leaving, the weeks of carrying them oh her shoulders fading blissfully away. Now, at last, the girl can stop playing at power and become again what she truly is: nobody, nothing, just a pious young baker with too many holes in her own fragile heart to possibly hope mend the world. A part of her wants to laugh, another to cry, and all of her sings in silent hymn Thank Vi, thank Vi, thank Vi.Alas, they live in such a world that all good things must end.
First it is the suggestion of adviser for Zariah, and though Amalia bristles at the idea, she cannot doubt that there might be wisdom behind the idea. Someone to temper the queen is wise, and there are many in this room who might serve as such, but only one strong enough, one who she truly trusts. "Rory," she murmurs into the crowd, meeting the farmer's eyes with her own, a promise held within. "You volunteered before." You can say no, her expression pleads, but she knows that it is a lie. He cannot say no, as surely as she can't.
None of them can, anymore.
Ronin goes on, and Amalia listens, waiting for some sort of plan. I can hardly do this alone, is something she agrees with- it's the next part that sucks. Amalia blinks in stunned surprise as she swiftly goes through the stages of grief. Denial that he said what she heard, that he's suggesting she should offer advice; anger, that he would drag her into this, when she had come so close to escaping it all. Bargaining, because certainly someone else is better, and she can think of them, throw them under the bus; depression, because Mort she doesn't know how to advise anyone, and this is going to suck, and she thought she was done.
By the time Jigano has gracious agreed to step into his role, Amalia has reluctantly reached the last stage, though not without a wry, bitter glare thrown in Ronin's direction. You would.
"Of course we'll help," Amalia sighs, her hands gripped tight around her mug. "But even then- I don't think we should have only one, or even three people in charge. Zariah not caring about anyone else is what got us into this mess in the first place. If we're going to make the world better, we have to do it together. As a team. Ronin might be our leader, but everyone in this room has already proven they're willing to do whatever it takes. To make this work. For the future. By holding each other accountable, and bringing their strengths." Maybe not the most eloquent speech, but it gets the point across: If I'm not getting out of this mess, the rest of you are staying here with me.
but the sight of the stars makes me dream
