#earthrunes

"I think we can assume by her rank that she has a grasp of the Escheat and knows that Ravaging is not permissible without asking if she so understands?" he sounds doubtful.

"She surely knew that she was in Liam lands, whatever may have been permitted elsewhere."

Tylar nods with Vince

"I mean, even the SKY is blue and silver."

Benny says "She knows the rules, she just didn't think she'd get caught"

"These are not Liam lands." August corrects mildly "They are Fiona. House is not the issue; Benny has wisdom of it. She knew the rules, just didn't think she'd get caught."

"So you say." He says agreeably.

The little kinain boy beams

"It is safe to assume she knew what she was doing was wrong. Did she do it anyway of her own free will? Does she regret what she's done?" August maps out a train of thought and line of questioning.

"I will humour you to ask questions we know the answers to." Vince agrees.

"Perhaps we shall be surprised!"

Tylar looks confused "Lordship? Why are we.. well, why does it seem we're trying so hard to find her an out for her crimes?"

"Because it is not a bad thing to assume innocence. And, if we find her reasons we may be able to deny her excuses, if they are not valid."

"I ..suppose" he admits but doesn't look convinced

"In law, they say you should never ask a question publicly you do not know the answer to."

Realization "Oh, this is you as a future lawyer, not you as a Bannerhouse Truthbranch" Tylar says relieved

"Tylar, I am both." he corrects gently "As a Truthbranch, the crime repels me and enrages me; I want to stamp out all who participated and caused such pain. My legal training helps me make sure I find them all, and create a situation where none can escape responsibility for what they have done, and enjoy the full measure of the consequences."

"Yes Baron"

"Yes, let us all make sure that we have full enjoyment." A nod.

"Ah. Yes."

"Can anyone think of anything else we should ask?"

Velvet ponders and recaps "Allies, victims" A pause "If someone tried to help but she found out, she might have hurt kithain to keep her secret?"

August nods slowly. "Very good, Velvet. Yes, Vince, please add that question. In the course of her 'activities,' did she harm another Kithain?"

His eyes widen. "I'm sure asking that outright will surely lead to an honest response."

"If we had someone how ranked a baroness we could dictum her to tell the truth and speed things up" Tylar ponders

"Oh, if only."

"It is possible Coradel might request that kind of assistance." he allows "But for now, we will work with what and who we have."

"But such a baroness has a temper, albeit most firey and lovely one. We should ask politely first, and that which is skipped about, leave to the Baroness."

"I agree. Vince, when you speak with her, you can suggest that and open and honest discussion will be to her greatest benefit. If she is deceitful, or just refuses to answer, we will be forced to other means."

"I mean.. sorry, I meant OUT ranked" Tylar says "It's even steven between Baroness Coradel and this baroness"

At that, Vince looks a bit puzzled, and looks to August.

He checks his pockets, but finds no handy countess.

"Yes, I understood that Tylar." with a smile at Vince "By her, -I- meant the accused. If she will speak with you openly and honestly without reservation or dissemblance, it may be taken into consideration. If she will not, we may have to seek other recourse which would make her our guest for longer."

"One could simply hold her, right of demense cuts a lot of paperwork" Velvet says

A beat "Twas a joke"

"Ah."

"Can anyone think of anything else?" he asks the room.

"I should make the poor woman a drink. she should be comfortable."

"She's getting better than bread and water now, " Tylar says confused

Velvet however brightens "A cordial might do her wonders"

"Feh! No one makes a drink like I do."

He whispers to Velvet, "How was that 'feh'? I've been practicing. I will win the heart of the Librarian yet!"

"Oh Vince, you would not fare well in a garret" She tuts "But the Feh was properly impassioned and scornful"

August looks a little uncomfortable. "We should give her a chance to speak of her own will; I must insist. Afterwards, if we cannot learn more.... we will consider options. I thank you for your suggestions, and assistance, all of you."

"Of course, Baron" Tylar bows

Velvet curtsies

"Indubitably." A bow of his own.

"Now... one last thing. Where should myself, Tylar, and Benny be for this? I admit, I would much prefer to be present but it's likely our presence will not motivate her compliance."

"Have you tried wearing a maid outfit?"

"I mean, it puts ME in a good mood to envision...."