[b][i]William Ascot[/i][/b]

William smiled and said, "Thank you, Andras. What you said...it means a lot."

[i]I am humbled by the grace you showed me. I am humbled by the support you have given me. I promise, I will do my part, I will defeat the Greater Evil and save this city. Or, if there is no Greater Evil, then I will keep protecting you until the threats towards you end. Thank you.[/i] Resolution had returned, this time more concretely. Vera's hatred still ate at him, but he knew this, that as long as the city stood, then it will all be all right. [i]Something I love more than myself. This City.[/i]

He then looked at Wolf, as if in challenge, then extended his hand, saying, "Vera may think me stupid and cruel and insane, but my promise is a city still standing after this is all over. That's a promise Andras still accepts as truth. So, are things still continuing?"

[u]Tournament Day[/u]

William listened to Andreim's speech, having already accepted a place as a member of St. Laurel's teams. His first thought, an uncharitable one, was that Andreim was a rival for leadership. His second thought was that rivals can be co-opted, and that a man of Andriem's confidence can be sucesptible to a display of deference. Nevertheless, he walked towards the other boy, placing his left hand on his' with a wide, open smile. He then cleared his throat to give his own speech.

"For thousands of years, Rhea has been the greatest, most advanced, and most important of cities, the most exalted place on this planet. This is not just due to location, resources, or even government policy, but also because of its [i]people[/i], who are bound by bonds of citizenship that transcend class, gender, race and species. We of St. Laurel's represent merely one facet of Rhea, but what a splednid facet it is! Some accuse us of arrogance, part of that charge may be true, but we are above all motivated by a dedication to victory, victory within the bounds of the law, unmatched by most others!

"All hail Rhea! All hail Saint Laurel's!"

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