#softly spoken emotional lovely lawrence who genuinely isn't ambitious has the stomach and spine to do the right thing

[air-mechanical]

something something about Lawrence bringing Bellini the secret report when Bellini is in his nightclothes, stripped down to one thin layer no-one else should see, sitting next to the previous Pope’s chessboard that’s still paused mid-game. The chessboard he desired because he had fond memories of playing with the Pope and losing. But learning.

The chessboard he badly desired and which he was going to have no matter what anyone else thought, but was still compelled to confess his desire for as if it was wrong to want something of such value. He had to seek - and gain - Lawerence’s approval first.

The chessboard his hand hovers over, as if considering where to move his pieces next. As if doubting he has the skill to win. Or to continue. The white pieces are bathed in light. Two white pieces are then off the board, captured. Bellini has capitulated to Tremblay. He’s no longer a contender. He’s lost pieces of himself. Open and vulnerable to attack by a Grand Master who doesn’t know the extent of his powers, Lawrence, Bellini’s final stand is made sitting down. And he’s defeated so softly and cleanly it’s cataclysmic.