#odyssey

Mrs. Softplum , when she gets her water, talks to August "I thought it was just a lingering effect, but it's clearly deeply rooted. If we're right, she's been conditioned over a month by various heart warping spells"

"A month, at least." August shakes his head disapprovingly "What Art, do you think? Or Arts?"

"Arts would be my guess, a mix of chicanery and aphrodisia... most likely. Sidhe beauty made it even easier" A sip "She is not in her right mind. "

August nods. "I suspected. Thank you. I know the Duke will be grateful that he will be able to dispense justice with mercy. If the time comes.... when it comes, I hope... will you be willing to examine others? Preferably with les violence?"

"The Duke said he thought you'd say that. I told him I had to stay impartial, but in this case I think there's good reason to check them all out" A nod "I see so many kithain in this line of work who end up manipulated by magics and treasures. It can get one jaded if you're not careful."

"May I take a liberty, Miss Softplum?"

"Do if you wish, Baron" She nods

"May I offer you my card? It is my intent to serve the Dreaming's justice as an advocate, and your talents and skills could be useful to others in that regard. I should like to correspond with you, and offer you such employment as I can?" he does, indeed, proffer a card with his contact information on it.

"Feel free to consider the offer and contact me if you wish."

"Well I shan't refuse it, and you do have me curious. You seem a fine young man" She holds out a hand

"Thank you." he hands the card off "Shall we present ourselves to the Duke?"

"I suppose we should" She nods "I don't know how conclusive he'll find us, but I definitely can and will attest that remnants of old cantrips are on her"

August nods to her, then asks "Thane, is it the Duke's wish that Goodfae Darespark present herself to him at this time?"

"The trial is soon but not right away, did you wish to speak to the Duke alone?"

Indeed, they have an hour before the trial is supposed to start

"Ahhhh... no. I would prefer to be early to the room, if possible. And I imagine Miss Softplum might enjoy a moment to sit and collect herself?"

A nod from the thane, and August is taken to the Duke who...looks surprised to see him

"A bit early, Baron" The Duke says

"Ah." August seems just as surprised, and indeed, flummoxed "My apologies, Your Grace; my intention was to be early but not to impose on you. I'll wait outside." and he steps out to the hall to wait.

"No no, I'm fine with that. I was just surprised. Is everything all right with your defense?"

"Yes, Your Grace. We're ready."

"Very well," he rings a chime, and folks begin gathering

August casts about, and takes what looks like his place for the proceedings.

Indeed, the kithain here are not used to this, so have set things up much like a TV law show court room set.

Well, that's easily sorted, then.

August arranges his things and waits for the matter to commence.

It would seem the kithain are coming out in voile made just for this. Be it power suits or older powdered wigs

He even sees the prosecuting Attornies, a pooka and a sidhe

August nods respectfully to them. "Counsel."

The sidhe, who appears to be of House Eiluned, nods his head "Counsel. "

The Pooka, a lovely Loon Pooka, points "I object!" And grins

The sidhe asssociate sighs

A jury has been gathered, though it is probably just symbolic

Earl might be visible. Zara is not.

But oh, Zara is THERE.

The baliff ahems as the crowd settles

August arranges his notes and awaits the Duke.

The Duke enters in black robes, but also wears his crown, and the symbol of House Dougal

"All rise," The Baliff says "His Grace, Duke of White Triilium now presiding"

August is already standing; the room joins him.

The Duke takes a seat, the motions to everyone as he gives the bench a knock,, and says "Court is now in session, please everyone be seated. I would like to say this is something of a grand experiment for us, and for many, not a welcome one. Passions are high, anger is great, but honor, not just my honor,. but the honor of our Duchy is at stake. Wrongs were done to the innocent, and truths ingnored. Even as we seek to punish the guilty, I will have the truth this time. I will have not revenge, but justice. If you cannot believe in my justice, how can you trust in my rule? And how can we trust each other? So Remain Calm, I do NOT wish to cast protocal"

August is seated as instructed and nods his understanding of the instructions.

There's muttering among some but it is quiet

"We will let The Duchy of White Trillium vs Dursta Darespark begin. Baron August Truthbranch, you wish to act as the defendent's counsel, do I have that correct?"

He stands "You do, Your Grace."

He nods "Two Prosecuting Attoerneys " He gestures "Will be advocates for the state and those wronged in the Duchy" He looks at the crowd "To Champion one you do not even like is not rephrensible, it is in fact, quite valorous. I will hear of NO harm done to the Defense Attorney, nor threats, no matter how this turns out. Violations will find the full weight of my justice on THEM"

Some grumbles

"Now, Baron, remind me, who gets to speak first? The prosecution or the defense?"

"Your Grace, in mortal Concordia it is usually those bringing the accusations that speak first, to set out their case. Then the defense.... ah, defends. Ultimately, it is as pleases Your Grace."

"Then we shall try it in the standard mortal way so we can study it, and if need be later improve on it" He turns to the prosecution, "State your case"