Blackmail wouldn't cause that smirk, so I doubt it. Although it would've been way better than willingly.I agree with the 'pushyness' - I'm inclined to believe she wanted us to see her fail with that carbuncle and all, to further strengthen her innocent image. Although I hope we're thoroughly wrong.
Edit:
It seems I derailed the thread a bit, sorry about that! >.< On topic,I don't think any of the people engaged in fights and shown 'likely to not survive' will die, not now anyway. It would be far too valuable plot highlights to not show it - I believe they are merely cliffhangers for now, like with Thancred and Y'shtola, Yda and Papalymo etc.![]()