RP:Deadly Deliberations

From HollowWiki

Summary: It’s the third day of the trial and Lanara is granted permission to use the powers of the rose quartz crystal skull to show the ‘truth’ of what really transpired on those fateful nights, a year ago. Everything that happens is exactly as the witch confessed, and it seems like her innocence being proven is a sure thing! However, nothing is ever as it seems, and all hells breaks loose in a matter of minutes. A cryomancer attacks the judge and jury, and three swordsmen attack those in the audience! Thankfully, three heroines step up and defend those gathered; Khitti, Meri, and Talyara. The Queen of the Fae, Lunalesca, gives up her immortality in exchange for reviving Judge Julie. The court decided to pause for deliberation, until a verdict and sentence are agreed upon.

Part of the Magic, Madness, and Mayhem Arc



(Post 1 of 3) After the rose quartz crystal skull was entered as evidence in the case of The Woodland Witch versus The Realm, it was confiscated by the Magical Oversight Committee and heavily scrutinized. The powers of the skull were well known by those that had studied their origin or relation to the resurrection of Valrae Ivy Baines. This particular skull, with a rosy tint to the crystal, was said to hold the truth. If it’s keeper, in this case Lanara, was to call upon the power of the skull, the truth about any given thing would be revealed to her, though with all great power, hails consequence. For the skull to speak the truth, the voice of the witch is to be muted for one hour! It’s an unusual effect, but it’s one to best remember, given that it’s to be used in a trial where one is being charged with murder. The retrieval of the skull is unknown, but it’s been said that Mayor Uma Abelin of Cenril, had written a letter to Judge Julie, stating that she had given the skull back to its rightful owner, after using it in a presentation about the magical artifacts.


(Post 2 of 3) It’s late afternoon and the village of Enchantment looks like a ghost town, as only a few guards patrol the city. Upon receiving word that the skull wasn’t tampered with in any way, and that neither Lanara nor the skull was capable of influencing each other, this day was reserved to witness the ‘truth’ it was designed to show. Lunalesca, the Queen of the Fae, had ordered an evacuation of all animals and people, to ensure their safety, in case something went amiss. The main hall remained in the guise of a courtroom; the Judge’s podium at the center, jurors to the right, attorneys at the front, and of course, the witnesses seated behind the attorneys, on long benches. Since the evacuation was put in place, Judge Julie didn’t feel comfortable with placing the weapon ban or putting any restrictions on magic, and she limited those that were welcome within the castle. Today there will only be Judge Julie, Attorney DeMott, Attorney Corleone, Lunalesca, the twelve jurors, and six guards; three which are equipped with long-swords, whereas the other three hold runed staffs in their hands. Obviously, Lanara is allowed in the courtroom, and she had been encouraged to invite three witnesses of her own. The witch penned letters to Khitti, Meri, and Talyara, and she is hopeful that they will show their support and attend. There is no bailiff today, as the truth was to emanate not from the hearts or mouths of the accused, but from the skull.


(Post 3 of 3) Attorney Kristian DeMott enters the room with Lanara Banks at his side, the pair choosing to remain silent today, as they proceed to their designated area. The witch wears a black cotton blouse, a black and yellow plaid skirt, black knee-high socks, and leather loafers. Chestnut hair has been parted down the center and a simple braid rests upon each shoulder, and a pewter pentacle is worn around her neck. Lana looks like she came to the courthouse after taking classes at a devotional school, but innocence –is- what she’s trying to portray! Crossing her legs, she looks around the room, hoping to see either of her best friends or her little sister. She didn’t think all three of them would come, despite the fact that they had showed their support this entire time. Court was a scary experience! If one were to look closely at the witch, they’d notice that her nails have been bitten to the quick, she’s a little pale, and the monitor has been removed from her ankle. Judge Julie was also kind enough not to have Lana shackled or handcuffed today, but the fiery red chafing marks are still evident of where they once rested.


Khitti had received that letter, though she knew much longer before it’s arrival that she was going to attend this part of the trial. It’s not that she hadn’t believed Lanara--it was quite the opposite really. There had been no doubt whatsoever that she hadn’t committed those crimes. But after witnessing the way people had looked at and spoke of the witch since her return--especially Largakh, who was eternally lucky that Khitti’d not set eyes on him since Lanara had told her of their fight and his firm belief that Lanara had done what she was accused of--Khitti needed to see the truth for herself. The truth would be documented. It would be documented that Khitti was there. So when people continued to display their disbelief in the truth even after the trial had ended, and ultimately got that right hook that was no longer reserved only for Brand, they’d know that Khitti had been telling the truth all along. -They’d- know the truth. They who tried to deny her friend’s freedom by spewing their lies. They would know, as Khitti’s fist hit them in the face, that the redhead was absolutely done with all of it. She was done with them. There would be no more Nice Khitti, unless people truly deserved it. All that rage she held was checked behind a near-emotionless facade for now as she headed into the castle’s hall, the redhead dressed in the various layers of black clothing that she’d returned to as of late. The hood of her knit duster was pulled up over braided red locks, her usual style of dress, leggings, and boots beneath it. Black make-up took their usual home around olive-green eyes, the same of which now looked around the hall as she went to take her seat. Khitti hadn’t come unarmed either. While Tenbatsu Kaji had been left behind, she’d brought along that new gladius of hers, Embershard, and it sat at her left hip, ready and waiting to be used. Who did Khitti actually expect to use the damn thing on, here of all places? She honestly wasn’t really sure. But if things took a turn for the worst, there’d be no hesitation in doing what needed to be done to secure not only Lanara, but Meri and Talyara’s safety as well. Khitti was done playing games with people.


Talyara :: There was never a question that Talyara -wouldn't- attend this particular court hearing, in fact the little witch would have never left her sister's side throughout the entire ordeal had she been allowed. Even today, Talyara had arrived to the court room an hour and a half early to make sure she was there at every moment to show her support. While not unkempt and messy, Taly very rarely put much effort into her appearance. However, much like her witness testimony, the little witch makes sure she looks put together and presentable for the trial. She wears a pair of navy slacks, a cream colored flowy blouse, and a matching navy blazer. A pair of simple black pumps adorn her feet and her normally unruly locks had been tamed into a sleek bun secured at the nape of her neck. She had even taken the time to apply a light layer of make up and a coat of paint to her nails. It was important, Taly felt, to be looking her best as she was the sibling of the accused; the last thing she needed was for something of -hers- to reflect badly on Lanara. As a fellow wielder of a skull (albeit a different one than Lana's with different abilities), Talyara knew all too well how complicated the magic of the crystal artifact was. And while she knew that it would help to further prove her sister's innocence, she understood that Lana would suffer a consequence as well. As soon as the makeshift courtroom was opened, Talyara made her way inside and shuffled to the closest bench she could get to her sister. When Lanara appeared, Taly would do her best to catch her sister's eye and offer a reassuring smile and a tentative wave. When Khitti and Meri likewise enter the courtroom, Taly would scoot across the bench to allow them room to sit as well. Unlike the other two, Taly is unarmed (except for the magic she wields); it was another reminder that she needed to nudge that warrior of hers to give her some blade lessons. Today felt different. Today, Talyara believed, was the day her sister and all those who had supported her and defended her innocence, would be vindicated.


Meri :: The letter that Lanara penned informed her when and where she was supposed to show up for this trial, and Meri would not be late. This was not Meri's first experience with court, though she is really hoping that it would be her last. Thankfully, she has not yet been brought to trial for any crimes that she herself has committed, and hopefully she will never have to. That being said, Meri was familiar enough with the sort of decorum or behavior she was expected to conduct. The woman was dressed in a way that not many would expect from her, she was wearing a pantsuit. That is entirely black. Black pants. Black blouse. Black jacket. Black boots. Honestly, if one were to go through Meri's wardrobe, this was probably one of the more preferable looks she tried to put together. Better than her showing up with paint stained clothing, no? If there was a weapon on her person this time around, it was hidden....but anyone who knows Meri knows that a lack of a weapon would not stop her from putting up a fight. Hopefully she will not need to. Even if Meri was confident of Lanara's innocence, the blonde could not shake the nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach as the three women settle into their position on the bench together. Lanara's life was at the mercy of a group of total strangers, and this was not something that sat well with Meri.


(Post 1 of 3) Lanara smiles at Khitti, Taly, and Meri, though she’s unable to greet them with more than a curve of her lips, as she was ordered to remain seated. She’s touched that they attended, as it means the world to Lana that they know the truth about what happened. Even if she’s found guilty, or sentenced to death… She will die with a clean conscience that her friends and family would know they truly supported someone that hadn’t intentionally killed innocent children or animals. A few of the jurors softly talk amongst themselves, while the two attorneys give each other the stink eye, and Judge Julie enters the room and rifles through some papers. All seems normal, but there’s a feeling of dread in the courtroom, as the six guards take up their stations and Lunalesca enters the room with a black box in her hands. It’s the box that holds Lana’s attention the most, as the pull of the skull is so strong, and it’s softly calling out to her to come and pick it up. Attorney DeMott rests a hand on his client’s shoulder to get her attention, as Judge Julie states that court is now in session.


(Post 2 of 3) Lanara approaches the stand and takes the lid off of the box, her hues trained on the rose quartz crystal skull that gazes back. Everyone in the room falls silent as Judge Julie’s booming voice commands their attention, “We are all gathered here today to see what the skull has to show us… We have heard in great detail, the events that unfolded on those two evenings, last year. Investigators and eyewitnesses have given their accounts, and character witnesses have spoken on behalf of Lanara Banks, and Lanara has also taken the stand to give her own side on what transpired. An expert on astral projection has also addressed the courts, and it’s been proven that this skull was deemed not to have been tampered with for today’s usage. It’s important to remember that Lanara Banks will be unable to speak after using this skull, and that it will take all of her energy to wield this power, as she’s going to project the imagery that the skull is showing her, so that we all may witness the truth. After the display, the attorneys will give their closing statements, and the case will move into deliberation until a verdict is decided.” Judge Julie nods to Lanara, giving her the go ahead to proceed.


(Post 3 of 3) The witch lifts the skull from the box and her chocolate hues seem to bore into the ore, as though the two were connected by an invisible thread. She’s transfixed by its beauty, humbled by its power, and hopeful that this will put an end to things and prove her innocence. In a soft voice, Lanara speaks to the skull, “Show the truth about what happened on the evening that those twelve children were murdered at the orphanage in Gualon… And on the night that the animal sanctuary was set on fire, in Sage Forest.” Having to focus extra hard on the skull and their audience, Lanara tilts the crystal and uses her magic to project the imagery before those in the courtroom. Candles in the area begin to flicker, a violent wind rushes through the sealed room, the floor begins to pulse with energy, and the skull trembles in the hands of the witch. After a moment, her call for the truth is answered, and visions of that night flicker in the air, as though it were a film and Lanara wielding the projector. A thick tomb is held in the hands of Lana, as she smiles and lies back, seeming to fall asleep. A shimmering spirit in the form of Lanara glides through the air, trying with all her might to reclaim her body. The ‘possessed’ form of Lanara stabs a sleeping child and cackles maniacally, while the shimmering spirit helplessly watches on. A torch is lit by the faux-Lana, as the true-Lana pokes and prods a horse to garner the attention of Venin. Everything that is shown is exactly as the witch confessed, and tears spill down her cheeks as the truth is finally made clear to everyone. As the story concludes, the skull is placed back in the box, and the atmosphere returns to normal.


Khitti || At one point in Khitti’s life, not so long ago, she might’ve stolen a thing like that skull with the hope that it’d help her dark magic, before it had shifted to it true form after her ordeal in that dragon’s cave, or even to help with her vampirism. That, of course, hadn’t happened, but now it was helping her to see that she really could’ve been of use the night Lanara’s body had been snatched up by some spirit. Both hands curled into fists, her anger threatening to surface. Khitti knew full well what it was like to be taken over by a malicious entity. Amarrah had been the worst sort of creature to be almost eternally tied to, though it had been neither Amarrah nor Khitti’s choice to have such a thing be done. Khitti knew spirits--or any form of undead, really--could eventually shift to malice as their tenure as such a creature was like living in hell. She wondered now, if -this- spirit had felt the pain of undeath as Khitti had, and had come to resent the living or if it was truly this way all along. It could very well perhaps had been evil from the start, even in its living life. Once it was over, Khitti sighed heavily and eyed the floor by her feet. Had Khitti not gotten rid of Amarrah after the murders she forced Khitti to commit, Khitti would not have had a trial. Queen Hildegarde had promised if Khitti had not succeeded, that she would’ve taken matters into her own hands, and would’ve carried out Khitti’s death sentence as judge, jury, and executioner all in one. Lanara had been rather lucky in that regard, despite the pain she’s endured from having to deal with the trial at all. Balled up hands finally uncurled themselves and Khitti shifted her attention to them. The blood that’s been on her hands since even before she’d come to Lithrydel, since she’d been in Dhavislaav, would never go away. The blood of the innocents she’d been covered in, from head to toe, when she returned to Frostmaw the night she killed people in Kelay would never go away. The putrid blood of her family and friends from her village that’d been turned into undead would never go away. The blood of her sister, Lydia, that she sacrificed to live again, would never go away. Even Brand’s former other half, Dominic--who was, of course, who her son was named after--was another tally on the list of people that were gone because of her. Even Brand was almost on that list, recently. But... maybe… just maybe... Lanara would be lucky again, and the blood that was on -her- hands -would- go away.


Talyara's breath seems to vanish when Judge Julie enters the courtroom, declares them in session, and begins to speak. The tension in the room thickens as Lunalesca enters with a box containing the rose quartz crystal skull. Her heartbeat quickens as Lanara rises from her chair and makes her way to the stand before removing the powerfully magical artifact from its container and speaking quietly to it, encouraging its power and the connection they share. The energy pulse is so strong that Talyara feels it reverberate in her chest as if she were at a raucous concert with particularly strong bass. Taly never doubted her sister when she learned the truth about that night. She had paid restitution to the orphanage and worked hard to recover a cursed ring that some children had found in the swampy marsh thus making them mysteriously ill. She had taken over the animal sanctuary and helped to rebuild it. Even before Lanara returned to the lands telling her truth about a rogue spirit inhabiting her body, Talyara always knew that the -real- Lanara could never commit those atrocious acts. As someone who had also been the victim of possession, she knew all too well what it was like to have one’s body be used as vessel of destruction. Perhaps luckily, the only pain and torture that Taly's possessor inflicted was the little witch herself (and her poor deformed pet chicken, Lafawnduh), but it was still an experience which plagued her from time to time. As Lanara manifests the skull's powers and the silent movie begins to play for all to see, Talyara instinctively reaches out to grab for Khitti's hand, squeezing it if she were successful in her attempt, as silent tears drip down her cheeks. She didn't know all of the templar's past, nor of the unseen blood she sees on her appendages, but perhaps she would find some comfort in Taly's touch, much as the witch was looking for some of her own. They couldn't find Lanara guilty now, they just couldn't! If the testimonies corroborated this projected evidence, and the skull was deemed to be untampered with, how could they even -consider- Lana to be guilty?!


Meri :: It is hard for Meri to truly focus on paying attention to the entire story, the blonde's blue eyes keep bouncing to the faces of the jury. She was trying to figure out how they were reacting to and interpreting things. Were they scowling? Did they show anger? Upset? Empathy? Did they believe the story at all? These questions and more were going through Meri's mind and analyzing the reaction of the jury was just in a way unavoidable, though it did little to ease her stress. In fact, it is all Meri's fault that the bench is shaking right now. No, not because the psion is so nervous that she is having a temporary lapse in control of her mind powers. Far from right now. It's much simpler in fact. See, she does not seem to realize she has started incessantly twitching her leg. Meri otherwise seems composed, but that dang annoying fidgety leg twitch is definitely a tell that even she is still affected by nerves. There is slight relief when the skull is pointed away. Even if at this exact moment the skull is being used for some good, Meri hates those skulls. She'd see them all destroyed. Helping the witches get their skulls was a regret in Meri's life. The blonde tries to push that to the back of her mind and focus on the trial.


(Post 1 of 2) Lanara allows herself to relish in the beauty of having proved her innocence, at least in the eyes of her friends and family. If she were to receive a harsh sentence, she would gladly accept it, because she knew that –they- knew the truth. The ones she held close to her heart, the only ones that mattered. Unable to use her voice, she weeps in silence, as the attorney’s rifle through their documents and are preparing to give their closing statements. The jurors are eerily silent, and it’s in their direction that suddenly draws Lanara’s attention. One of the guards, a cryomancer, has lifted his staff and is speaking in tongues! His spell is fulfilled and shards of ice plummet from the ceiling, one of which pierces the chest of Judge Julie. The courtroom erupts into disarray as blood spurts from Julie’s chest, and Lunalesca lies pinned to the floor, though thankfully she hasn’t taken a fatal hit. The other two mages work to stop their associate that had seemingly went rogue, though their spells are futile, as their opponent is too strong. The young mage seems to be under great duress, and for reasons unknown, his staff falls to the ground and he collapses. The elder mage cries out as his apprentice dies and looks to Talyara for help, as though sensing she had magic in her veins, and would assist him to defeat their foe.


(Post 2 of 2) The three remaining guards stand at attention, idly watching the chaos unfold, though they don’t seem capable of lifting a finger to defend those gathered. It’s when one of the female jurors runs up to the first guard and screams in his face that their plan unfolds. Grabbing the fearful brunette by the hair with one hand, and the hilt of his sword with the other, the steel cuts through her neck with expert precision. By now, everyone would realize this was a planned attack, as the three sword wielding guards make a beeline for Khitti and Meri. Upon closer examination, the middle guard has a sword that glows several hues of amber, and is enchanted with fire rumored to be from the depths of hell. What is the intent of these attacks? To steal the rose quartz skull? To implant fear of magic users in the eyes of the jurors? Or to murder Lanara, since she’s proven herself to be innocent? Was it an attack on Enchantment, as a whole? Lanara unleashes a scream, but being that she’s been muted, it goes unheard. She has leapt over the divider and holds Judge Julie in her arms, as she fights to keep the woman alive. Using every ounce of her energy, she calls upon the Goddess to aid her plight, and mutters every health restoration spell she’s ever learned. If the jurors or the judge were to die, the blame would again fall on her shoulders!


Khitti || It took some time before Khitti fully registered Taly’s hand taking hold of her own. She looked at it in confusion, then looked to the elf before finally giving her own squeeze. A glimmer of light hit the ice as it formed above everyone and caught Khitti’s eye. So wrapped up in her own thoughts, it took her a moment to even register -that-. “Get down!” Her words came out in a hiss to the witch beside her, “Stay out of sight and try to go help your sister!” Lanara wouldn’t be able to heal all of those people on her own, and Khitti’s own holy magic would be out of commission as she’d been favoring the darkness of late. The guards make their beeline, but the shadows in the vicinity would bend and sway and eventually gather around Khitti until she was engulfed entirely. The moment it took to shadowstep behind the middle guard with that oh so fancy sword of his, Khitti unsheathed her own. He’s taken quick by the hair and pulled backwards onto the gladius, Khitti looking past him to Meri, in hopes that she can deal with the other two, should this one prove to be a bit more feisty than anticipated. “Tell Vakmathras I said hello… and that your friends will be joining you soon in his realm.” No… no. He would not be allowed to even -try- to be feisty. Sorry, Mr. Guard. In much the same manner as Khitti had taken down that Crimson Cloak last year, Khitti’s sword would erupt into flames. Unlike that fight on Twister Island, the shadowfire was made to be a slow burn. The dark purple flames ate away at the guard from the inside out, his screams heard by all who still lived. There might even be a slight grin planted on Khitti’s face. “You didn’t really think this through, did you?” Still, she spoke to the guard, as tendrils of smoke curled up off of his body, the shadows in the room dancing in delight as Embershard further enhanced her magic. “This is your fault, you know. You could’ve just let things be. Could’ve let her have her freedom without incident. But… you chose poorly.” The flames’ intensity grew as she finally ripped her sword from his back and kicked him to the floor. Still he writhed, still he screamed. And she’d watch the slow burn that was his death, making sure that he didn’t get up. But, of course, she still kept an eye on Meri should she require the aid.


(Post 1 of 2) Talyara :: What happens next seems to happen both quickly and in slow motion at the very same time. Talyara covers her mouth to stifle the scream that leaves her throat when she witnesses Judge Julie get impaled by a shard of ice, conjured by the rogue guard. The courtroom erupts in pandemonium and Taly finds her instincts being pulled in different directions. The desire to protect her sister and friends is strong but so is the innate healer side of her who wants to rush to the judge's side and help her with her injury. However, her emerald eyes catch that of the elder mage and an unspoken agreement passes between them. She couldn't very well help heal the injured people if they were all dead, could she?? With a stiff nod of determination, Talyara vaults over the bench and weaves her way between the ice shards and people running for cover to stand next to the elder mage so that their combined efforts could hopefully out-power the rogue nutcase. Talyara extends her hands in the air, palms facing upwards, as she begins to call forth the element of fire. "Oh God and Goddess of the most divine, help me harness this power and make it mine. Fire, fire, fire, by the power of three, give your complete control over to me. Strength and passion, fierce and strong, allow me to harness the fire erelong. Let it harm no innocents including me, give me your flames, so mote it be!" Each verse is spoken in a louder tone until Taly's palms are suddenly engulfed in azure flames and she pulses her energy upwards to counteract the flying icicles--the witch has made herself into a literal flame thrower!


(Post 2 of 2) Talyara :: With an uncharacteristic mischievous grin, Talyara hurls a fireball at the cryomancer who had been so focused on his own magic, he hadn't noticed Talyara's manifestation. Blue flames had always been a specialty of hers, even as a young girl, yet this was the first time the element of fire had -truly- given its power over to her. While the cryomancer is distracted by his clothing that's inflamed, Taly ducks past the allied mage, finding herself beside a pinned Lunalesca. Instinctively, she reaches out and grabs hold of the ice pinning the Fae Queen and with an angry hiss of steam, the shard begins to give way to fire and melt causing cold water to cascade over the fairy. Talyara waits for just a moment to ensure that Lunalesca can break free of the weakened ice prison before turning her attention to the jury. The rogue mage has extinguished his robes and is turning his attention to those closest to him--the remaining jury members. Without thinking, Talyara charges at the man and tackles him with the brute force of someone much heavier than she. The momentum carries them both to the ground and they roll over one another until the cryomancer successfully pins the witch below him. His eyes are wide and his expression manic--he no longer holds his staff, however, he seems content to use his larger size to conquer Talyara. Thick hands wrap around the neck of the little witch and he squeezes with all his might. For a moment, Taly's eyes widen in surprise as her airway is cut off and the whites of her eyes begin to redden as blood vessels pop. But was she the sister of Lanara or wasn't she?! Her blue flames suddenly burn red with the hatred she feels for this man, for those who doubted her sister, for the evil spirit who committed those crimes and murdered those innocent children and animals and framed Lana. With the last of her strength, Taly's fired imbued hands reach up and clutch the face of the cryomancer and hold tight. If she was going to die she was taking this bastard with her! The scent of burning hair and skin cling to her nose and make her eyes water. Talyara doesn't even hear the man's wails of excruciating pain, she just continues to dig her fingers into the melting flesh of his face before he eventually relinquishes his grip on Taly's throat and attempts to extinguish the flames that now engulf his head. There's no hope for him though--if the flames didn't kill him, his injuries would. Talyara rolls over onto all fours, coughing, dry heaving, and gasping for breath, as the flames finally go out, leaving her hands red and raw. She hoped that Khitti and Meri had been able to fell the other guards while she dealt with this one.


Meri will one day learn that there is really no point in trying to look respectable for any event. Serious. Here she is in a pantsuit and being charged at by a couple of guards, and she doesn't have her preferred stabby thing with her either. That means that Meri is going to have to rely on her other abilities, and while she does her best to hone her psionic talents, most usually see them used in conjunction with her wielding a weapon. The charging guards prove distraction enough that Meri is unable to sway the path of the falling icicles, Lunalesca is pinned and Judge Julie is impaled through the chest. The fact that there is already perhaps fatal injuries being doled out by the assaulting party means that Meri is going to take a 'take no hostages' approach. Khitti is taking on the one with the fancy sword, leaving Meri to deal with the other two guards that were making a beeline for the warrior women. It might seem like a concerning moment, for it does not seem like Meri is prepared for battle. What weapon? What armor? The two other guards are invited to fight with a simple gesture, Meri holds both her hands before her palm up to reveal she has no weapon and then beckons them to come and get her. And the moment they accept that invitation and further close the gap between themselves and Meri, the guards will find their weapons wretched from their grasps via Meri's telekinetic abilities...and then skewered with their own blades. Talyara's actions are observed and there is a brief swell of provide for the little witch and her kicking some mage butt, but the blonde knows better to let her attention focus on another for too long during these battle situations. Meri might have started this battle without any swords in her grasp, but by the time she is done with those guards the blonde has acquired two new swords. She might have to pull them from their chests...but...you know, they started this fight. With the two guards disposed of, Meri's blue eyes are already scanning the area to make sure her friends are safe, first, and to assess how many more enemies they may have to eliminate, second.


(Post 1 of 2) Lanara wordlessly comforts the woman who is nearing death in her arms, tears streaming down both of their faces, as her blood soaked hand gently caresses Julie’s cheek. The skull remains guarded at Lana’s side, and the two are mostly protected behind the podium, from all the slaughtering that is happening in the makeshift courtroom. The witch wasn’t to say she’s sorry, but she’s unable to vocalize her sentiments, so all she can do is continue to hold the woman that had promised her a fair trial. Lanara had proven her innocence and still she had failed. This attack had likely been in the making since she had returned to the lands, and was likely formed by a bunch of corrupt Larketian’s, or perhaps witch hunters, in general. Lanara had inadvertently continued to put her friends and family at risk, and now Enchantment was suffering, as well. She’d never forgive herself if Talyara, Khitti, or Meri was wounded in this battle, but she trusts their abilities. If anyone could save the day, it was those three! Lunalesca heaves a sigh of relief as the icicle is melted, and she waves at Taly, before sprinting over to Lana and Julie. The Queen of the Fae looks to be in immense pain, as she was pinned to the floor by her left wing, and it’s no longer glimmering like the one on the right. Would she ever be able to fly again?! Lunalesca looks into Lana’s eyes and softly commands, “Leave her to me… There’s nothing else that we can do, she’s gone, Lana…” The witch sobs, knowing that her verdict now hung in the hands of the jurors, one of which had died and two which were seriously wounded. The stench of burning flesh, the sound of piercing screams, and the chill in the room, are all indicators that the apocalypse of her life was happening right now.


(Post 2 of 2) Lanara heads over the jury box and kneels before the two that are visibly wounded; a male bleeding heavily from the shoulder, and a woman who had taken quite a few cuts to her thighs. She wants to tell them it will be alright, that she’s here to help, but the man refuses to allow her to touch him. They are looking at Lanara like –she- was the rogue mage, or one of the crazed swordsmen! Swallowing, the witch tries again, softening her gaze and drying her blood soaked hands on her skirt. The woman hesitates but nods, “I-I never had witch use magic on me before…” she admits, as Lana rests her palms on the injuries and mouths the sylvan words. Although she’s focused on sewing the woman’s wounds shut, the witch is also keeping a wary glance on her surroundings, and she spies Khitti’s magnificent sword impaling a man! Next, there’s Meri, successfully taking out –two- armed men, and using their own weapons against them! Lastly, her gaze finds her sisters, and the witch has never been more proud to see her sibling go batsh*t crazy than in this moment! If she had her voice, she’d be rooting for Taly, as her actions reminded her of their squirrel Grandfather who was a master of flame! The healing is complete and the woman surveys the damage, unable to speak as the powers had left nothing more than a mere scar behind. The man is still clutching his shoulder like a moron, and will likely bleed to death if he’s not taken to a healer within the next few minutes. Thankfully, all the evil doers seem to be deceased now, and Lanara runs over to her friends and her sister, wrapping her arms around them in a tight hug. She never would have survived this ordeal without their support… And skillsets.


Khitti || Whatever sort of pleasure-filled look had been on Khitti’s face as she killed that guard was now gone. In its place, grimness took hold, her lips pressed into a thin line and crimson brows knitted together. Once she was certain that both Meri and Talyara were fine, her gladius would find itself home again at her hip, and the rest of the damage in the hall looked over. Lanara would give out her hugs but Khitti’s attention was settled on the man that refused to let Lanara heal him. “Let them heal you or you will die.” Her voice was flat and matter-of-fact. “It’s clear what your decision might be with the way you’re acting, but you won’t even be able to voice it if you don’t let them help you. I imagine you don’t quite want to meet up with the God of Death just yet. For all we know, your soul might get lumped in with the rest of them,” Khitti said, jerking a thumb in the direction of the dead guards. “And I don’t intend on asking Vakmatharas to spare you from whatever their souls might endure, on account of how damned selfish you’re being right now. So let them heal you, give your damned verdict, and move on with your life before I take matters into my own hands and heal it myself.” With a snap of her fingers, her right hand would alight with those familiar purple flames. She’d pin that idiot down and cauterize the damn wound herself if she had to. She wasn’t even sure if she -could- heal people anymore with her holy magic anyway. She’d not touched that side of her magical abilities since Cirice returned her dark magic to her in the Shadow Plane. Once the moron dude was hopefully dealt with, she’d turn her attention back to the three women, and eventually sighed. “I suppose the court will be taking another recess.” This probably wasn’t the time for jokes, but you know Khitti… she’s got that morbid humor.


Talyara eventually manages to push herself to a stand and surveys her surroundings. Khitti and Meri, as badass as they are, of course take town the guards with swords with seeming ease. They look a lot more cool than Taly does at the very least! Lunalesca is hovering near a bleeding Judge Julie, and Lana is trying her best to heal those who were injured. Taly doesn't look towards the cryomancer (or what's left of him), but begins to stagger towards the other three. She looks a little worse for the wear, the knees of her trousers are torn and there's bruising around her neck (not to mention the popped blood vessels in her eyes), but all things considered, she's doing alright. Her emerald gaze lingers on the stubborn juror who clearly has some prejudices towards her sister, and despite his own life threatening injuries, refuses to let her near them. While he is focused on Khitti's threats, her purple flames reflecting in his wide eyes, Talyara sneaks up behind him and places her reddened hands on the wound. The man barely has time to yelp and pull away from the woman who had literally just melted some guy's face off, when the sylvan words are spoken and his skin begins to stitch itself back together. "See, that wasn't so hard was it?" she says before walking towards the trio of woman and hugging them in turn (yes, Meri, too. She should know by now how much Taly loves hugs).


Meri :: Once Meri saw that there was not any more need for weaponry, both of the swords were abandoned. She did not truly need to add to her own personal collection, plus they might be needed for evidence or something? Maybe? Meri didn't know. What she did know is that this trial was a disaster and that was about the only thing she knew. Would this incident influence their verdict for positive or negative? Well, with the way one man is refusing to be healed, Meri feels like negative. She's not sure that Khitti's "pep" talk helped the man change his opinion and be open to healing. But, it is not like Khitti was wrong. He was making his biases known. Thankfully Talyara is clever enough to sneak in and heal the man while he is being scolded by Khitti. What would Meri do? Well she's not really a healer or anything like that, she'd leave those things to the expert. Instead, she'd add to the inappropriate jokes and sass her sister a bit, "God, you're such a red head." It seems healing the man is not the only sneak attack Talyara is going to pull off tonight. Before Meri knows it she is being hugged, a hug that is accepted with more grace than she'd afford a vast majority of the population. After said hug, Meri looks toward Lanara and Luna....because you know...surely court was actually probably in recess right now. Did they need anything else from her? Meri could stay and help move bodies out of the court room? Should everyone go? She was awaiting some sort of cue as to what to do next.


Lanara continues to cry as emotions flood her mind, a mixture of relief and worry. Those that mattered to her the most knew she was innocent, yet there was a massacre on the final day of the trial due to her being a witch. Khitti’s joke is met with a faint smile, and Taly’s desire to heal the wounded male that had flat out rejected any help, was given a nod. Perhaps her mercy would change his opinion on magic users? Likely not, but it was worth a shot! The group hug is forced to continue, and Lana locks eyes with Meri, and tries to hold it together. The psion loathed random bouts of affection, but the warmth that shone in her eyes was apparent. She would die for her friends and family, and that’s something all four of them have in common. The courtroom begins to fill with guards and healers, as the screams had drawn attention from outside the castle, and one of them dares to point a finger at Lanara, “Arrest her!” It’s at that very moment that Judge Julie’s voice is heard above the others, her once lifeless form now standing on the dais, as she holds her gavel in her hand. “This court is now adjourned as the jury will move on to deliberation. Two new jurors will be selected and are to review this case, as well.” A pointed glare is given to the male that wouldn’t allow a witch to touch his arm, before she glances at the woman that was beheaded. “Lanara is free to roam the lands until a verdict is settled upon.” A chorus of cheers, along with some jeers erupts in the courthouse, since Julie was alive once more and court was in recess! As the quartet of women are moving to exit the courthouse and wash the blood from their forms, they are interrupted by Lunalesca, who is wearing a small smile as she uncomfortably tries to flex her wings. “The love that you all share for each other is beautiful… It moved me to give up my immortality and revive Judge Julie, because I know that she will give Lanara a fair trial. And because… It’s been a long time since Enchantment has witnessed such a strong bond. It’s what I’ve always wanted for this land… A community that always has one another’s back, and that is filled with love. Be well, Ladies, and go get yourselves a much deserved drink!”