#earthrunes

The boggan however does look rather sad, and says "is the little girl all right?"

"She was terrorized, but we got her out before her blood was spilled. That is truth. But intent must also be taken into account, Mr. Layton."

"I recognize that and I imagine as things unwind, I'll be hearing more than my client's side of the story. " He tuts at that then grows more troubled still, "yes, my sympathy to the poor child. I know i must look a monster to you, Baroness, and Sir. But it's rarely our best that need a fair system, or our most loved. It is our worst and most reviled. The mortal system, keeping men in modern debtor's prison because they can't pay for demands by the system, Prosecuting attorneies with holding evidence that would have proven innoccence of the accused, boys sentenced to 5 years for single joint? it.. nearly undid me. I can't survive mortal courts anymore. But the changelings, I can and will help."

"You are seeking my sympathy, Mr. Layton. You will not be receiving it." Her stare is cold. "I have witnesses that your client did, indeed, threaten a fae with those exact words I said before, mortal gun pointed and ready to fire, and was only interrupted in that intent by a well-timed troll. Plead for your client now. For that alone is enough for great consequence, even before I question him about what he knew about the girl."

"If he had kiled the girl, and been captured, what would his punishment be?"

An eyebrow. "What do you think it should have been?"

"I am not the baroness. " he says "I can say some nobles would put him to chimecal death and leave him in a hole to recover, others would gease him, or at least hex. A few might enthrall him as a slave for seven years, and others would hold him as a prisoner. It varies, but most would be firm, quite firm. "

A slow nod. "And if he had attempted the mortal, not chimerical, death of the baroness of his demesne...I am sure that you would agree that equal firmness would apply."

"There would be no question as to the fate of one such." Quietly.

"Did he know you were the baroness, were you trying to kill him? Self Defense is a factor. "

A stare. "Self-defense...with a mortal gun. Be very careful here, lawyer."

"And I'll remind you... 'Fuck the Escheat'....'Fuck you'...."

Each word enunciated with icy clarity.

"I am. He cannot possibly expect to defend himself as against a warrior sidhe in sword to sword, assuming he had sword. Oh he has his teeth, but have you seen my client, of course you have. He's a scrawny bastard for a Cap."

She stares at him another moment more...then turns, pacing away slowly as she speaks. "The threat against me is undeniable and inexcusable. There is that. Interrogation will reveal the depth of his knowledge about the pooka's nature...oh, her name is Isis, by the way, and she is a lovely young girl when she isn't shaking and crying in fear. Once we determine that, we will consider his sentence. Either way, he will not walk free. Now...if you wish, Mr. Layton, you may take your haven here for three days. We will settle this matter within that time. However, you are not to speak with your client without escort approved by me. Do you have any questions?"

"First, thank you for allowing me haven, I was indeed going to request. I am worried about my condidentially with the client being hurt by a witness to spy on us, can the escort wait at least ten feet away or better yet on the other side of a door?"

"That can be determined later." Softly.

"Oh, you will not be permitted to be in the same room with your client again, Mr. Layton. We will find some way for you to speak through a doorway or window, perhaps, but there will be no physical contact between you. Additionally, you will not utilize any cantrips in aid of your client in any way." She turns to look at him. "I trust I will not have to enforce that instruction more firmly."

"Yes, thank you, Inish. No, he signed it in lipstick, so it was not unclear, I am sure I will not be interrupting..." Comes the voice from just outside the chamber, before Vince steps in, rapping lightly as he does so.

"I am more concerned that I cannot have his words for my ears alone in warning him what to say, but I understand. I hope you are looking to my safety and not assuming I am trying to break him free, but either way I understand your caution. I certainly am glad to hear we both in agreement that cantrips can disrupt the judicial process. Though, on a related note-" then the door nows

August snaps to and heads to the door.

Knocks*

Looking somewhat bemused. "Should I have brought refreshments?"

"No, let me speak with you in the hall...." And he ushers the pooka back out with a hand on his arm.

"Oh, cantrips will be used to verify the truth of his testimony, Mr. Layton. Do not doubt that." Then she looks up. "Ah, Vince. Come in. I believe you and August need to conference about an issue. And let me introduce Mr. Layton...Norm the redcap's attorney."

"Certainly, but at least a white wine spritzer...." Being lead away, glancing behind over his shoulder at Coradel as he goes.

She nods as August ushers Vince back out.

"Baroness, as I was about to suggest? " Ahem, "Perhaps the childling might sleep better with benevolently used chicanery? Nothing permannent, but a night or two?"

A haughty look. "The advice of one who seeks to defend her captor...and the one who intended her murder...is not desired."

He bows low at that.

Coradel continues to just...look at him until the others return. Just a long, cold stare.

He is resspectful, but does not turn away

She doesn't seem afraid of long, awkward silences. Of course, she's not afraid of much....

"If I may, Baroness? "

"What is it, Mr. Layton?"

"May I ask if rumors Sir Bachdion is in residence are true? If so, i'd very much like to say hello to him."

"You are familiar with Sir Bachdion?"

"Yes, yes i am." he nods, "Capital fellow."

"So I hear."

"Good. I'll try to visit in the next few nights and pay my respects," A smile of ..fondness? Nostalgia?

"I will advise him of your intent." A pause. "Be clear, Mr. Layton...I do not trust you."