>>6095741"Yea, obviously," answers the High Sorcerer without a moment's hesitation. "I have recently been informed that a dark beauty will be on her way to meet me soon, so it is the only real option," he explains, a statement that draws a variety of concerned glances from the other council members. "... and, I gave word to Cywir that I would vote yes regardless, I suppose." Arara responds, softening her tone to address him - a most unusual display, given your impression of her. "Lael, my Arael'Vae, not you as well?" He shrugs. "I know exactly what I am doing, Arael'Sha. Just trust me. Would I ever steer you wrong?"
The urge to say 'yes' seethes beneath your skin, held back only by the understanding that the capricious mage boy is voting in favor of your people. You bite your tongue and maintain your neutral expression.
"That just leaves me and our new guy, Keeper Cawley. I'm not gonna lie, I'm not too big on having a bunch of drow in this city. But Sindiira's done right by us, and I guess I wouldn't be much of a Helmite if I looked the other way when some kids needed protecting." He takes a drag from his cigarette, shutting his eyes. "That means we're at three 'yeas' and two 'nays' right now. Cawley?" Approving any council measure requires a majority, or four votes in favor to pass. That is to say, the power to decide the fate of your people rests within the hands of this stranger. How dreadful.
All eyes fall upon Willard Cawley, the new Keeper of the Bridges. Having not uttered a single word for the duration of this meeting thus far, a tense quiet builds in the council chamber as all present await his answer. Ejecting a stream of blue smoke from his lungs, his pitiless gaze falls upon you, prompting you to gulp anxiously in anticipation. Wetting his lips, he utters a single word with a low, raspy voice that affords no mercy.
"Yea."
