*Smiles* Alexi is a selfish S.O.B. and his way of doing things is fare more guaranteed than anything else he could come up with, and even caving here lessens his chances of this working, even if it is in an unperceived manner by all until the plan's fruition. :P

[b]"I'm just pointing out that there might have been less painful and more logical ways for Alexi to execute his plan, and still have Alexi gain everything he wanted."[/b]

Hmmmm. . . Bold statement for someone who doesn't even know what Alexi's aiming for with this aspect of his plan, don'cha think? Just picking on you, but the point still stands :P

There is only one part I can think of right now that puts in a snag. Even if he consents to this proof thing, he can't risk Erik leaving the room. No one must know Erik, the most revered of rebel leaders, ever underwent any kind of breaking, otherwise the faith in him will be shaken, his image, tainted. Even if in this case it not being a breaking, like Erik, no magical will believe that what happened was anything but a breaking, and would no longer trust Erik as they do now. . . I can't see Alexi letting him out of the chains. . .Unless Erik submits to some other form of restraint to keep him in the room, and the bathroom maybe. . .*Suddenly had bath visions* *Smacks self* Say on track here Pope. . . .