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☆ The Trial of the Rathmores
The trial of the Rathmores and their associates takes place on a cold, drizzly morning at the very beginning of Feoveuer, in a large audience chamber of Parliament, broadcast to the Watches by Sowilo (and Theodore, when Sowilo is speaking) for any who cannot or do not wish to attend personally. The trial itself is public; any who show up are allowed in, and any who were hurt by the Rathmores are invited, though not forced, to testify against them during the proceedings. Mhairi is present, as Speaker for the Coven, as are all those members who hold a Judicial Seat, and many of the Civic Seats, along with the Witches and Guards present at the raid. Mhairi and one Lady Denholm are outspoken about the Rathmores' crimes all throughout, prompting more hard-hitting questions when things grow too silent or sympathetic toward the wealthy elitists.
The proceedings last for several hours. During that time, the Judges hear testimony from Mirrorbound, those who were kidnapped and those who were affected by the fires and losing loved ones alike, refugees who were kidnapped or had their homes damaged during the fires, the aristocrats who were in on the kidnapping, and the remaining Rathmores themselves. Notably, two of the twenty-two Rathmores died when the Mirrorbound staged their escape, so are not present, and a few others are in poor shape, one even wearing a gauze eye patch, tended to by nurses from the hospital. This fact causes just a few furtive, disapproving, even fearful looks from a small section of citizens in the viewing boxes, and there are whispers during recesses coming from this group - you never know what they'll be like when they come out of those mirrors, some are nice enough, quite civilized people, but some are worse than animals, aren't they?...
Still, these mutterings have no effect on the progression of the trial. The presiding Judge Colton has a frown on his face throughout, though he listens to every word on both sides, stone faced and silent, except to ask probing questions. The truth comes out.
The 21 aristocrats who participated in the kidnapping all plead their cases that they did not know what was going to happen. They all thought the Rathmores had devised a spell to send the Mirrorbound home, but that the Coven wouldn't allow it. This is determined to be false. There was never a spell. Nerissa Bell testifies that no magic has been found to date that allows them to send Mirrorbound back through their mirrors, and this lie is determined to have been a ruse to encourage cooperation. The Judge sentences all who fought against arrest to hefty prison sentences with hard labor, up to 20 years, for crimes including kidnapping, arson, imprisonment, destruction of property, and resisting arrest. Those who gave themselves up to the Guard and the assault team are granted a bit of leniency - an average of 7 years of prison and hard labor. All are subject to fines as well.
Each aristocrat is taken away in chains after their individual sentencing, heads hung, miserable.
The Rathmores are dealt with last, in ascending order of perceived involvement, from the flunkies up to the head. Each is convicted of all counts brought against them, though the Judge waits on sentencing. For now.
Thomas Rathmore, long-term member of Parliament, approaches the podium last, stil cuffed. His speech is long, his words smooth poison. He talks about the Mirrorbound being obvious dangers to Aefenglom, invaders in their city who will turn it upside down the way they did Dorchacht. He points to nephews and nieces with shattered limbs in casts and splints, and asks, "These strangers are not held accountable. They are not subject to our laws. Who will pay for this? For the deaths of the children of my brother, Rodolphus?"
As an angry uproar begins in the stands, Judge Colton slams down his gavel and answers, "You will, Mr. Rathmore. And may all forgive that I ever called you colleague.
The atrocities you committed are not representative of the heart of Aefenglom and will not be condoned or brushed aside. You have not proven that the city is unsafe because of the Mirrorbound - only that it is unsafe as long as your extremist family remains here, using your influence to ruin everyone around you.
We have failed visitors to our city, blinded to the pervasive creep of corruption into our systems. The Rathmore family has been like the Cwyld upon us, infecting Aefenglom from the inside. The only thing to be done with infection is to cut it out.
To those who were hurt, you have Aefenglom's sincerest apology, and those who helped to right the wrongs done here, our sincerest thanks."
The court falls silent for the final sentences. All twenty Rathmores on trial today will meet the guillotine tomorrow. It will be a closed session, not open to the general public, but Mirrorbound will be allowed in to witness, in an effort to repair a broken trust and to reassure that no trick will be pulled to allow the family's escape. On top, the Rathmore family estate will be repossessed by the city, along with all their assets. The money will be used to repair areas damaged by the fires, especially in the Haven and the refugee housing, and to pay out a decent sum to kidnapping victims, about 4 months of an average salary, as a gesture of goodwill and to help cover costs of living while they recover from the ordeal.
As the trial concludes, Lady Denholm spots Sowilo filming with a Watch, and approaches to deliver a sincere apology to the Mirrorbound for all that they've had to suffer.
"It is clear that we in Parliament do not understand the needs or the struggles that you and yours face daily in our city. Many of us tend to be secluded by our privilege, in a way, but that is no excuse. With the Rathmores sentenced, that leaves three seats open in Parliament." She gets a certain glint in her eyes as she regards the camera, and those who have gathered in person to watch the trial. "Perhaps it is time the Mirrorbound come to the table and represent themselves. If you have an interest or a knack for politics, send a letter to my office, and we'll start the process."
The proceedings last for several hours. During that time, the Judges hear testimony from Mirrorbound, those who were kidnapped and those who were affected by the fires and losing loved ones alike, refugees who were kidnapped or had their homes damaged during the fires, the aristocrats who were in on the kidnapping, and the remaining Rathmores themselves. Notably, two of the twenty-two Rathmores died when the Mirrorbound staged their escape, so are not present, and a few others are in poor shape, one even wearing a gauze eye patch, tended to by nurses from the hospital. This fact causes just a few furtive, disapproving, even fearful looks from a small section of citizens in the viewing boxes, and there are whispers during recesses coming from this group - you never know what they'll be like when they come out of those mirrors, some are nice enough, quite civilized people, but some are worse than animals, aren't they?...
Still, these mutterings have no effect on the progression of the trial. The presiding Judge Colton has a frown on his face throughout, though he listens to every word on both sides, stone faced and silent, except to ask probing questions. The truth comes out.
The 21 aristocrats who participated in the kidnapping all plead their cases that they did not know what was going to happen. They all thought the Rathmores had devised a spell to send the Mirrorbound home, but that the Coven wouldn't allow it. This is determined to be false. There was never a spell. Nerissa Bell testifies that no magic has been found to date that allows them to send Mirrorbound back through their mirrors, and this lie is determined to have been a ruse to encourage cooperation. The Judge sentences all who fought against arrest to hefty prison sentences with hard labor, up to 20 years, for crimes including kidnapping, arson, imprisonment, destruction of property, and resisting arrest. Those who gave themselves up to the Guard and the assault team are granted a bit of leniency - an average of 7 years of prison and hard labor. All are subject to fines as well.
Each aristocrat is taken away in chains after their individual sentencing, heads hung, miserable.
The Rathmores are dealt with last, in ascending order of perceived involvement, from the flunkies up to the head. Each is convicted of all counts brought against them, though the Judge waits on sentencing. For now.
Thomas Rathmore, long-term member of Parliament, approaches the podium last, stil cuffed. His speech is long, his words smooth poison. He talks about the Mirrorbound being obvious dangers to Aefenglom, invaders in their city who will turn it upside down the way they did Dorchacht. He points to nephews and nieces with shattered limbs in casts and splints, and asks, "These strangers are not held accountable. They are not subject to our laws. Who will pay for this? For the deaths of the children of my brother, Rodolphus?"
As an angry uproar begins in the stands, Judge Colton slams down his gavel and answers, "You will, Mr. Rathmore. And may all forgive that I ever called you colleague.
The atrocities you committed are not representative of the heart of Aefenglom and will not be condoned or brushed aside. You have not proven that the city is unsafe because of the Mirrorbound - only that it is unsafe as long as your extremist family remains here, using your influence to ruin everyone around you.
We have failed visitors to our city, blinded to the pervasive creep of corruption into our systems. The Rathmore family has been like the Cwyld upon us, infecting Aefenglom from the inside. The only thing to be done with infection is to cut it out.
To those who were hurt, you have Aefenglom's sincerest apology, and those who helped to right the wrongs done here, our sincerest thanks."
The court falls silent for the final sentences. All twenty Rathmores on trial today will meet the guillotine tomorrow. It will be a closed session, not open to the general public, but Mirrorbound will be allowed in to witness, in an effort to repair a broken trust and to reassure that no trick will be pulled to allow the family's escape. On top, the Rathmore family estate will be repossessed by the city, along with all their assets. The money will be used to repair areas damaged by the fires, especially in the Haven and the refugee housing, and to pay out a decent sum to kidnapping victims, about 4 months of an average salary, as a gesture of goodwill and to help cover costs of living while they recover from the ordeal.
As the trial concludes, Lady Denholm spots Sowilo filming with a Watch, and approaches to deliver a sincere apology to the Mirrorbound for all that they've had to suffer.
"It is clear that we in Parliament do not understand the needs or the struggles that you and yours face daily in our city. Many of us tend to be secluded by our privilege, in a way, but that is no excuse. With the Rathmores sentenced, that leaves three seats open in Parliament." She gets a certain glint in her eyes as she regards the camera, and those who have gathered in person to watch the trial. "Perhaps it is time the Mirrorbound come to the table and represent themselves. If you have an interest or a knack for politics, send a letter to my office, and we'll start the process."
This is just a summary to give everyone an idea of what happened. Feel free to use this post to mingle with each other and discuss in person or over the network, but none of the NPCs will be replying. The guillotining will be open to Mirrorbound to attend but we will not be posting anything separately for it.
In lieu of IC letters, if your character would be interested in working with Parliament as a sitting member, EDIT: comment to this dedicated Council post! Don't let numbers stop you - we've got something in mind for if more than three characters would be interested that will let everyone get a chance. This is a way for PCs to make their needs known through representatives outside the Coven and advocate for themselves on a higher level.
In lieu of IC letters, if your character would be interested in working with Parliament as a sitting member, EDIT: comment to this dedicated Council post! Don't let numbers stop you - we've got something in mind for if more than three characters would be interested that will let everyone get a chance. This is a way for PCs to make their needs known through representatives outside the Coven and advocate for themselves on a higher level.
no subject
When the execution is over and people begin filing out, it's hard to miss the woman with a dragon perched on her shoulder. He doesn't mean to stare, exactly, but despite the somber occasion he can't help finding the creature cool. In the end, he's just a little too curious not to ask.]
Excuse me. Is that dragon a familiar you acquired at Aefenglom or is he a mirrorbound?
no subject
She was ready to excuse herself, carry on the small business she has in the city and leave, but she's called out. Stopping in her tracks, there's a cautious tilt of her head before looking to the black dragon, nipping at her silver-gold braids. ]
I – why? [ She asks almost too defensively, but clarifies by pushing away her natural distrust. ] He came through the Mirrors. From my world, but not brought here with me or ... as I last remembered him. He is younger than he was before I arrived here.
no subject
I was just curious. Wasn't sure if mirrorbound dragons eventually become like him. Thanks for clarifying. [He manages a half smile.] Your dragon friend is incredible. Never seen one up close before.
no subject
Thank you. I'm not sure how he returned to me, he came months after my arrival. [ And far too small for her liking. ] I wasn't sure I'd ever see him again... but something brought him here. I am still trying to find out what, sadly.
no subject
I don't suppose he has his own mirror? Maybe he came to be with you.
[It doesn't work like that of course, but it might be a more comforting thought than pure unpredictability.]
no subject
Fires had begun to break out in the market district, rumors of a small black dragon followed. At first, it seemed an odd crimespree but upon further inspection... he spent weeks here alone, foraging for food and causing problems.
[ She feels a sense of relief, at least. ]
Whatever brought me here, whatever magic brought Drogon here – they happened at different times... It's frustrating but, you're right, perhaps it was fate for him to be here at my side.
no subject
[It's a pleasant thought, even if he's not holding out high hopes. He gives the black dragon another look, a faint smile on his lips.]
Are you and Drogon bonded or something?
[She did call it "fate" after all.]
no subject
[ Yet, she clarifies: ]
If he arrived here as he is now, there is magic I do not understand. It could be assumed your... Red may turn up as well.
no subject
I see. [He doesn't see. But he supposes it wouldn't be strange for her to be a dragon back in her own world as well.] You think the magic of the mirrors affected him the way it affected us? [A beat.] If that's the case I wonder if Red would be affected at all. She's alive, but... not in the same way. She's a robot.
no subject
[ She doesn't explain nor does she scold him for his question. There's a softness in how she speaks of Drogon, one only a mother could have for their child. ]
It must have. He was not as small as he is now – it as if he is freshly hatched. He was much, much larger before being brought here...
[ And then, of course: ]
A... robot?
no subject
[As weird of a phenomenon as that is. And as much as he's not really understanding this mother-son situation, he supposes it's not the weirdest thing he's heard of.]
Yeah, a robot. [A beat.] You know. Like an advanced machine? They can be programmed or controlled to do a lot of different things, but Red specifically is a robot lion that was created by aliens as part of a larger fighting unit.
[If he sounds at all hesitant here, it's because he's juuuust aware enough that this sounds kinda wacky.]