#odyssey

"With your permission, Your Grace?"

THere's mutters anew. Zara's whisper campaign has a lot of folks thinking She might be the real villainess

"Granted" The Duke says

"Will you allow the same sort of examination to be held for Baroness Rathbone as was held for Goodfae Darespark prior to having her meet the court?"

"Yes, I suppose, that would be a recess?"

"If it pleases Your Grace, my worthy opposing counsel, and if Miss Softplum is willing to serve."

"Agreed, we pause for an hour long recess, with a possible extension after that" He hammers

And just like that, the trial is on pause.

"Goodfae Softplum mayhaps would benefit from protection against any trickery Rathbone could employ." Oh, there's a Zara at August's side.

"Oh, " The boggan turns "Pardon, miss, I'm not sure we've met?"

The pale sluagh splays a hand over her chest and bows slightly. "Zara Manynames. I am a friend of August."

August starts, and smiles shyly at Zara's appearance. "A very good friend." he agrees. "Hello, Zara Manynames."

"A pleasure, Miss Zara" the Evaluttor says, then says "You're a potent young woman, I ccan tell"

"I know a little magic."

The boggan gives a knowing look, her kenning is STRONG and more, but what she says is "It's nice to have a little, isn't it?"

Earl says "I can offer my own help in protection, though I'm no warrior I can get folks to safety quickly. "

"And who is THIS tall glass of water?" Mrs. Softplum says to Zara and August about Earl .

"He is Mine." Said with such utter affection and no rancor.

"Earl Debuke, knight of the corn and brush, Mrs. Softplum" And a look at Zara "And most importantly, I am hers."

August might note that Zara is looking MUCH happier than she had been.

The boggan beams at this "Oh I can see that. I do appreciate the help. Some want blood I fear."

"Aye. A grievous wrong was wrought. That is what brought us here, so far from home."

"My lady was among those wronged" Earl says with a low grumble in his throat

A gentle touch on his arm.

He responds by looking at her lovingly

"Your lady seems to be of stern stuff" Softplum observes

"We could ask for Rathbone to be dictumed, to keep her from casting any cantrips...." A faint note of distaste.

"That would be up to the Duke, I suppose" Mrs. Softplum says

"I can offer an alternative, if you wish."

"What's this? Alnteratives?" the female prosecuting pooka attorney horns in "Are you validated? do you have accreditation? Can you save time? How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?"

"A woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood."

"Okay. I accept you as an Expert too" the prosocuting Pooka says

A deep nod.

August watches, bemused.

The Sidhe prosecuting attorney says "My partner is very useful for getting answers. "

August clears his throat; it is uncommon, but he seems to be asking for attention and focus.

She looks at August.

He gets it

"Hello, Earl." he greets the troll before continuing "I think the casting of Dictum is unnecessary and might be considered undue influence if directed at Baroness Rathbone personally. I believe she can be examined by Miss Softplum without it. After her examination, if opposing counsel wishes to examine the Baroness I have no objection although I would, in good faith, caution that the Baroness has an unpleasant history with pooka."

"Do I need to recuse myself so I don't slap a bitch?" The pooka prosecutor says "That's a legal term" she adds

"I am not fond of Dictum, myself."

"Does this suggestion suit counsel and our expert?" he asks politely.

"We just want to get to the truth" the sidhe prosecuter says

"Don't we all."

"Then we forgo the dictum for now" Softplum nods

A small, worried frown.

"And hopefully don't need it period" Softplum adds seeing Zara's frown

"I believe there is a chamber here that might suit our needs to prevent the Baroness forcing an escape with that Art. Shall we meet her there?"

Nods all around