aefenglom | ☆ The Trial of the Rathmores

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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."

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.

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[ Well, he takes that invitation, and open arms wide as he approaches. ]

Come on, I can take it. [ Should he is another question, but he's a bit starved for the touch— still, he adds with a joking lilt, but a piece of serious information. ] Let's go at it carefully and let each other know if something doesn't work.

[ For some reason, if they were mangled by the inhabitants of the Wilde, it would be something to joke about. ]

Be happy I'm not one of those women who likes to punch men.

[Because she knows she could break his ribs accidentally if she did. She still huffed and moved in gently, resting her cheek against his chest.]

You're acting like this is a serious thing. Have you been wanting me to visit? You should have said something.

I might have been over, if you begged prettily enough.

[She's only half serious. She's not much for touch, always cagey about it, always surprised. But she's learning. Bit by bit, she was letting certain people in her life close.]

[ Remembering how to hurt her wings and back were, Caster is mindful and cautious in how he puts his arms around this smaller woman. ]

Perhaps I was trying to send you a signal during breakfasts? [ Like when he pushed some treats her way. Lack of appetite in the hospital was a normal thing, but the healers and tenders wouldn't let anyone go on an empty stomach ] I must work on what I use as a tribute.

[ That's at least something they can joke about. In the end, they both were seeing and passing each other in the place of healing. And then— then it all turned to frenzied busy on going out. Feels like a lot more time happened but what it was true, a bit more than a week after leaving the infirmary ]

Give me a hint.

[She's thankful for it. For all of the treatments that she'd gotten, her back can have some twinges and tender moments, not helped by the lack of feathery protection.]

I thought you were trying to feed me like a bird feeds its babies. Maybe even taking a crack about my weight.

[Which...really isn't that much. Even with the healers and tenders around, she hadn't been eating that much. Not enough to regain the weight loss at least.]

Fool. I don't need materials as tribute. You forget, I was raised without such things, so it does nothing for me.

[She hopes that does it for a hint. She's not going to straight out and say...what she would want really.]

[ A hint, indeed. Some things of that night remain a hazy memory, others are crystal clear. The conversation on the wall is one of them. ]

But I don't forget you. [ Welp, he has no intention of letting her go, now that he took hold of her ] And the tribute is— just me wanting to spoil you a bit.

[ It's "Feel-good" things that cover a still open wound, but just dwelling on it is also painful. ]

Get something good to eat maybe.

[Ah good, it clicked. There was something that shifted, that caused her to relax- as if she had holding her breath the whole time.

Or like it was a code word.

Though she will object if he tries to carry her.]

Very well. So we can make fond memories together, we can go and enjoy something to eat. Have you tried the cakes yet? Or did you want something else?

[ Good memories this time. Even though the camaraderie in the dark strengthened his resolve towards her. No Masters and Servants here, only Caren Ortensia and Cú Chulainn ]

Cakes sound good, especially with the variety of choices right now. [ Thanks to the festival ] Maybe we could get those special pancakes, if there are any left.

[ Gently he directs them outside, to the late bonfires still burning. ]

I hope they have some left.

[And she follows. Just two people, two friends, walking side by side. Though...she may have taken his hand to hold. No special reason.

Mostly she wants to make sure she can keep up.]

I gave mine to Saber. Then again...I had heard how much she enjoys food.

[ Squeeze on her hand tightens a tiny bit. Saber, that one he heard about. ]

Guess we're now missing only an Assassin. [ There are a lot more Servants than seven, but that one class is the only missing for a full roster now ] Are you familiar with her too?

[ It's been a long time, the Aguril party. But she admitted to knowing Archer then, and if Archer knew that Saber— simple math. ]

I don't know if we'd want one. Most are unsavory.

[To put it kindly. But...she sees what he means. She doesn't want there to be an accidental Grail war on their hands.]

I am. Which...is awkward, all things considered.

[She exhaled, slow and soft.]

The woman I knew of was quiet. But happy.

Shame. I figured she must be from a different time. [ Or place ] Archer tried to hide his melancholy but—

[ A slight shrug. ] He's not trying that hard anymore.

[ Not putting these solid walls, it's a progress. But many things have progressed. ]

Have you two been close?

Archer isn't good at hiding his melancholy.

[He's mostly melancholy.]

I wasn't close to any of them. I was...even if I was, they would have forgotten me. That's how it would have worked.

But I watched. Whenever I could, I watched. I didn't understand everything but...I could still watch.

[ Caster would argue he is also Snark and Sass. But her assessment is not wrong ]

He smiles more often now. And not in that crooked way. [ Maybe pointless information, maybe not. Never certain if it's treading on thin ice or not. ] But that's how this place is no? Now you can go out there and not just watch.

[ He gives her hand an encouraging squeeze and throws her own words back at her, as they near the food stall ]

Make fond memories together, with everyone.

[His core is Snark and Sass. And in that core is Soft.]

Really? That's...surprising.

[There's a shift in her expression. It's not that he's on thin ice but...she does seem a little wistful. A little happy, for him.

But there he goes, with that bit of nudging, even as they go back to the food stall. She made a face, glancing up at him.]

One thing. Does he wear his hair back? Or does he keep it down?

[She'll buy something from a food stall while she waits for his answer.]

[ Surprisingly warm Soft but it is something to dig out first ]

He does combs it back usually when going out... but at home he often keeps it down. [ Now to think, it seems to be happening more often than before ]

Or doesn't fix it if I mess it up. [ He's ready to buy something from the stall too, or if she buys for both of them to give back his share ] The way you ask makes it sound like there is some significance.

[ Or maybe she likes one better than the other ]

[He really doesn't like to show the Soft does he.]

Mm...I thought so.

[Some habits didn't change. But if he kept it down at home...ah. That was different, wasn't it.

She considered. Bought for them both before coming back and giving him his share.]

He looks a lot like his before Servant self when he has his hair down.

[ Here he was going to take a bite, right after the cunes were settled but suddenly he's too surprised to do that ]

Ah, so that's how you knew him- [ Aa the guy he shanked once ] I kind of assumed, you know Grail War and stuff.

[ Rhat he was just the Servant Archer. Welp. Cu rubs the back of his neck as he fights with his own curiosity ]

How was he back then? [ Fight lost ]

[Too bad, the cunes are not settled. Keep them you.]

I did. I was there because of a special situation. They were both there. I'm not sure how it happened but- they were both there.

[She sighed, and made to stare at her cake. Yeah, she isn't hungry but she'll keep talking.]

Stubborn. Stupid. The kind of dumb and stupid you would have liked. And he was just...

[She sighed. She could feel all these emotions bubble up, and she disliked it. Maybe she was feeling sick.]

Kind in a way I had never seen before. He was always helping someone, always making someone happy.

He wasn't the best at anything, he was just...this stupid, stupid boy.

That dumb is still there... [ Always making someone happy. Someone else happy. It's still there under the world-weary armor. ]

Caren. [ A serious, quiet tone ] You don't have to answer, if there's something you don't want to talk about.

[ Don't indulge his curiosity at the price of your own feelings, girl. With a conjured spoon he scoops a part of the cake and offer it to her ]

Showing each other where there are the lines to not cross- that's important in friendship too.

It's different.

[She leans in, and while he has the cake...

She bites his finger. Gently, but still a bite. She at least lets go after a moment.]

You and I-it's different.

I get a special treatment I see... [ This is his life now, being chomped upon by cute monster girls.

Not a bad life tbh ]

But I mean it. Stomp your foot if my curiosity goes out of hand. [ Because... he is curious. Of what happened out there. Of things that he doesn't know. It feels like he's missing something, and while he's okay with making it up with here and now... they will always have a wider picture that he simply lacks ability to see. ]

You're my personal chew toy.

[And She bites him again, before delicately biting the cake out of his fingers.]

Besides, it'd be better to smack you with my tail. My feet are too soft to make much sound.

[She is still hiding things, but look at her squishy mostly bald cat foot. Isn't it cute.]

[ Cute cat paws... still healing from what Rathmores inflicted on them. ]

I'll take that upgrade. [ Ahint of chuckle can be heard in his tone. Ah she does have sharper teeth, chimera.... he scoops another cake and offers it to her, as a tribute.

The evasive maneuvers though- ]

Look, sorry if I brought up something I shouldn't... I'll relent for now. But because of how things are- one day I might need a clear list of what subjects are banned. [ His gaze focuses somewhere on the ground, on quite thrilling pebble for sure. ] I don't want to hurt either of you, but I'm in the blind.

[At least the fur is coming back. That's something at least.]

I'm not upset with you. It's been a long day, so- I am more emotional then usual.

[She nudges him gently with her elbow, before nudging the cake his way. Eat up you.]

When it comes to Archer, it's complicated. He wouldn't remember me. I don't fault him for it either. My feelings for him are...

I know he isn't who I want, and that's all right. I am not who he would want either.

I'm just being a foolish child.

You're not foolish. I- I understand that. [ The "it's complicated" explanation is all well known to him. He wish there was something "simple" here in fact.

The "I'm not who he would want" part tells so many stories and none in particular. But it resonates with him, it's the feeling he gets every time he looks at certain knight with a radiant smile.

And also he is still not eating ]

Would you want to meet him?

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