I'm glad it had an effect :) I researched a lot of information for this stuff to make sure it mirrors reality well enough.
I was honestly a bit surprised Lika didn't take the knife that had been put in front of her and use it. I could feel the rage and desperation in the air all throughout that scene. I also remember that girl who couldn't speak Common from Lin's story. It was hard seeing her like that. Hard watching Autumn's sister do what she did, too. Actually, hard isn't the right word. It shocked me. Even with her thorniness, her willingness to do something like that was horrifying...yet all too believable given her past attitudes toward elves.
The way you handled Autumn's participation was masterfully done. Right at the point of no-return, the point at which I was in danger of turning against her as a character, she had that moment of epiphany and shame. That final frame when she walks away from Lin, I could just sense how she felt lower than dirt for what she'd done...and failed to do. Just being a part of that spectacle made her feel awful. I'd be haunted by the knowledge that even if I wasn't there, those "lessons" were still being taught.
Anyway, excellent storytelling. Your hard work paid off!
I really appreciate the feedback!
That's a fair point, Lika could have done more damage with a knife or fork, but it might not have stunned Hazel (and Autumn) long enough for her to get away.
I was on the fence about her going through with the shock, but I felt that she needed to go through this for character development. I'm glad you feel the same way! This is certainly a turning point for her.