Who said I was judging? ❰ she was totally judging. ❱ It seems a high price to pay, is all I was getting at. Your freedom, opportunities to matter, a life... Your mages lose a lot, if they're caught by these Templars.

❰ they lose so much more than adalia would ever willingly give up, and enough that she'd fight to the death not to be taken in the first place. security, a full stomach, health — none of that is worth her freedom. that there are people to whom the exchange is acceptable...

ugh. ❱

You used a word I don't know. Shemlen? We don't say that where I'm from.

❰ it's a... probably transparent and possibly shitty attempt to, if not smooth the feathers she rustled, then give them a chance to move past them. better that than making an enemy, right? ❱