|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 16, 2016 15:10:14 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 306: Repercussions!Plot Journal | Chapter III Journal | Plot Music
Leader: Amadeus Participants: Frannie, Azazel, Deidra, Mathias, Felix, Bones Please keep the following in mind!- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!- No strict order is enforced, but there must be at least two posts between your own character's.- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway)
- Always get consent before harming another character!- Your team is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'DPrompt: You are accused of betraying your herd by helping several Vagabonds escape the King’s justice. Whether you spent the last three months imprisoned or temporarily free on bail, today is the day of reckoning. You and your accomplices are lead into Hearthstone Palace’s throne room, where King Amadeus himself will hear your defense and decide your fate. Time of Day: Early Morning |
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 16, 2016 21:21:28 GMT -6
AmadeusAnother head aches, another heart breaks
I've become so much older than I can takeAmadeus had come to wonder if he was losing his mind. Certainly he felt as though he were falling apart, the edges of his person torn and tattered. It hadn't been so long ago that his heart had been a soft thing prone to frivolous fluttering, and yet it felt as though years had passed, weeks existing in the heartbeat of seconds. The person he had been was not the person he was now, and looking back on his memories felt like looking at someone else- someone he didn't know. His heart wasn't airy anymore. Now it raced, and it squeezed, and dropped down low in his stomach when someone called for him. Sometimes he felt as though he couldn't catch his breath. Sometimes he didn't breathe at all, the air stuttering in his throat.
He was failing. That was the truth of it. He had allowed Vindicators to assault the city, and had botched the alliance his mother had struggled for years to obtain. How could his citizens trust him now? How could he ever hope to rule effectively, if he could not even keep his own people safe from a rag-tag group of terrorists?
So many foolish decisions. So many lives lost to nativity and poor leadership. The crown had felt light when they'd first placed it upon his head, yet it had come to hang heavy on the spirit.
None of which is relevant right now, the boy thought sternly, and raised his head. The throne room was massive and largely empty. Laying upon the throne, Amadeus looked the part of a comically miniscule monarch, flanked on either side by his Advisers and attended to by his favored slave. His eyes cut to her momentarily, seeking a moment of emotional support before his attention was swung to the opposing doors.
"Bring in the accused." He called. The command was heeded by attending guards, and the great gilded doors slid open, allowing the likes of Deidra, Felix and Mathias to enter the throne room.
|
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Dec 17, 2016 13:55:45 GMT -6
FrannieServile Slave
"I enjoy long romantic walks to the fridge."
Frannie swallowed lightly as she awaited for the accused to come in. She was to come along for this, for perhaps moral support, to be there for her King, her best friend, Ammy. She wouldn't deny that she was nervous about this whole ordeal. Frannie had not really been apart of such things as this, but she could breath easily as it seemed not many where here, and with not so many here, perhaps this would play out well. Shifting weight from her left to the right she eyed the others, noting Bones and Azazel. She dipped her head a bit lower, not wanting to be disrespectful to those that seem to call out respect from just their mere presence. As she looked onwards, she caught Ammy's eye and offered a reassuring smile. Letting him know, that he got this. He could handle this so well, there would be no doubt about King Ammy. Frannie was sure of it, she prayed to Ignacio to grant Amadeus the strength to endure. Surely all of this was merely a test, a way to test what Amadeus could do. All of this was a learning experience and wasn't it best to learn these things at such a young age?
Attention swirled back to the doors as Amadeus spoke out to bring in the accused. Frannie could feel her heartbeat quickening, yet she remained as still as the statues in the garden. She could feel herself taking in a faint breath and holding it still as the doors began to slowly creep open. It made her eyes widen faintly as she looked ahead, Gods be good. She thought to herself as she felt her heart drop into her stomach as a certain equine came into view. Her former master, the one that had trained her for this very occupation. Deidra. Frannie couldn't believe it, what exactly was happening? Deidra preached on following orders, to always do what is needed to. Never disobey, and yet had Deidra? No.. This wasn't right, Surely Deidra just got mixed in on things. Maybe a witness. Yes surely that was the case, she told herself. All a misunderstanding, everything was going to be fine. Wasn't it?
Post 1
367 |
|
|
|
Post by GingerBlues on Dec 17, 2016 15:34:40 GMT -6
AzazelWhen I pretend everything is what I want it to be
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to seeThe advisor stood at the young king's side in silence, watching over his every move. Amadeus seemed unsettled, which the zorse found fitting considering the situation at hoof. The child was responsible for much of the destruction and death the Aodh had seen over the last few months, and the reality of it seemed to be finally sinking in. Amadeus was not fit to be king, nor was he at all prepared when his mother had passed. Azazel had tried to advise the young king in the beginning, but over time, Amadeus's ignorance and stupidity shined through time and time again. It was exhausting.
Over the past couple months, Azazel had seen slaves revolt, cities torn to shreds of their former glory, peasants acting as if they could do whatever they wanted with no repercussions...It was infuriating to say the least, and now some of Valore's finest slave traders were standing trial as a result. While the advisor felt that much of the blame rested on Amadeus's shoulders, he also plainly saw the evident disregard for the Aodhian way of life in the accused. He had no patience for them, and even less sympathy. He only hoped Amadeus would finally pull his royal head out of his ass and actually do something for once and make an example of the criminals he would be presented with.
Even then, he felt it was far too late for the child to become a king worthy of the adoration and respect so many gave him. He'd run their beloved country into the ground, and now it was up to a chosen few to dig it out of the dirt once more and salvage what they could. Things were already in motion that the Adviser had his hooves in, and though he couldn't be actively a part of them for now, he had every intention of making sure those plans did not fail.
Azazel flicked an ear back as Amadeus's voice broke the silence. "Bring in the accused." His attention snapped to the large doors as they swung open and three horses were ushered inside. His eyes narrowed as he took note of each of the faces. He'd purchased slaves from each of them at one point or another, and yet here they were, standing trial for aiding in the escape of property they had once helped provide. Anger rose up in his chest as he glared down at them. If he could sway Amadeus to see reason, the traitors would pay for their crimes with their lives. His gaze quickly shifted to Bones, the other advisor present for the proceedings. He was older, far to soft for such a position, and was sympathetic to the plight of Valore's slaves, which made him all the more irritating in situations such as this. None the less, Azazel knew where he stood, and he would do what he must to ensure justice was achieved.
Post #: 1
Word Count: 490
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2016 19:35:43 GMT -6
Bones
He's not a villain, he's just a boy
"Here we go" Bones thought to himself
Bones was empathetic. So much so, in fact, that Amadeus' stress had bled over onto Bones, magnified, and begun eating him alive. The past six months had been, in short, hell. Bones himself looked as though he'd aged six years in six months, and every time he was at an event, such as this or Ingrids reveal, he seemed to be growing grayer and grayer, thinner and thinner, more and more worn. In fact, he'd seriously contemplated retirement, but every time he did so, all hell seemed to break loose all over again and a fresh wave of anxiety kept him firmly planted in his seat. Some may have called him soft, old, outdated... but oh were they wrong. His wrath was chthonic when roused, and many had yet to see it. He had a distinct feeling that long-held rage may just snap one of these days.
As it was, he was laid down next to Amadeus' throne, looking less and less like he wanted to be there. Both his worn grey ears were turned back, and his half-lidded eyes, though soft and gentle as usual, spoke volumes about his grumpiness. It was too early for this nonsense. This 'trial' seemed like a great old sham. In his mind, slavers had helped free citizens who had always been free and should always remain so. It was not Aodh's jurisdiction to blatantly kidnap a mostly peaceful people and put them to either a fiery death or a fate worse than death in his mind, slavery. Everyone knew Bones' VERY firm stance on slavery; it should not exist. Period. It was wrong on so many levels to him, in so many ways.
He looked sideways at Amadeus and Frannie, and flicked his tail. Amadeus looked more than a little freaked out, and he couldn't say he blamed him. Amadeus was far too young to be on the throne, but what other choice did they have? Amadeus was King Solaris' only living heir, and as such, as Bones saw it, custom shoudln't be broken here, and they were stuck with him. But he had faith. Amadeus was young, naive, and at times, downright stupid, but as he sawit, that was why he was here. To help Amadeus make the wisest decisions, and chew him out when he did do something stupid. Like the dragons. In Breim. Dragons. In Breim. Bones almost visibly withered at the thought, and wanted to snap at the rest of the advisors for allowing Amadeus to take such a dangerous creature to such a delicate situation. Bones saw it as a failure of those surrounding Amadeus, not so much Amadeus himself. He was after all, a child not a villain.
He felt like he'd failed him. He hadn't been as attentive as he should have been, and look what had happened. The city was slowly rising udnerneath Amadeus, an angry roiling pot, and there was very little Bones could do. The damage had been done, and all he could do was make sure the embers didnt roar into an inferno that would consume them all. So here he was, opposite one of the advisors who, among others, Bones was INCREDIBLY suspicious of. He had, for months now, had the feeling that a coup was on its way, headed up by the other advisors of course, but it had been incredibly difficult to get his hooves on any solid, reliable intelligence. It was frustrating to say the least.
Lost in his own head for a moment, Bones twitched slightly, pulled from his inner monologue by Amadeus himself. "Bring in the accused". Accused. Ugh he hated that word. Especially when dealing with this sort of shitshow trial. Justice could only do so much, he had learned, and found that a little bit of common sense, morality, and compassion often went much farther. One could catch far more flies with honey than vinegar, correct? Bones lifted his head as far as he dare go, looking over the three. He knew all three, none of them intimately, due to the fact he never bought slaves, nor did he even attend slave sales. But nonetheless, they were fellow Aodhians, and were deserving of as much respect as anyone else. His eyes, pale and cool, tired but kind, swept across them, and then went to amadeus, Frannie, and azazel, where those kind eyes slowly went cold. He did not harbor good feelings for Azazel, not in the slightest. Bones found him to be too sly, too cold, and too proud.
Post #:1 --
Word Count: 762 ---
|
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Dec 18, 2016 16:40:04 GMT -6
Deidra
Slave Trader
Her body remained relaxed as she stood outside the door waiting for it to be time to bring them in. So much has happened since that time frame ever since the few others and herself decided to take it upon themselves to free the slaves. Well it was more of her forcing me to help or watch her get the shit beat out of her. So with their failed attempt some slaves escaped but others didn't. Still Deidra her conscience was clean. She saved her life and not even the were slaves deserved to be burned alive like a pig to a flame. Even still today she could catch a whiff of that sent. The smell of burning flesh. Are you going to her two companions and she could not help but be aggravated that she somehow managed to talk them into this mess how did this all go wrong? Deidra what is a equine of Honor. Sure she pushed the limits with their slaves breaking them down a bit to rebuild them better but she never abused them. She cared greatly for them even if she never showed it the more she complained it's easy to see that the more she cared. Yet here she was being held in front of the king for what they all have done. She wondered who else would be here with the King it would be the those horses that she would have to try to pursue them for them to see it her way. Tail smacked against rump as her mind began to turn the roll within itself at least she knew her slaves at home would be taken care. Deidra had trusted everything Hellion; her retired pitfighter that soon became the second command in her household. The two had made a vow between each other if she did not return, than Hellion would know what to do. With that at mind she could relax knowing her slaves were safe and wouldn't suffer for her sake. The doors opened and Deidra was quick to refocus her attention on who was ahead. Of course she noticed the king first. He set neatly in the middle. To his sides was Bones, and she sighed mentally at the sight of him. A kindred spirit that would most likely understand why they did what it did. Then there was Azazel, the wild card. Deidra had sold a few slaves to him before and she interacted with him briefly, she knew not ti much of them. Deidra glanced quickly and spotted Frannie. Well it seems she was doing well for herself to even be apart of this. Ot unless she was here to speak on Deidra's behalf. Deidra honestly had hoped she was there for some other reason and that Frannie would not be punished for what Deidra had done. Deidra moved forwards with ease, dipping her head respectfully to the three as she stood before them all. Yet she lifted her head back up to the three awaiting to see what would be done. She had prayed Mathias and Felix would be doing well, she prayed if there was to be punishment she'd gladly take it all. Just like her slaves she would be punished for what she has done wrong by their eyes, not her own. But please do not think of this as weakness. Deidra had no plans of going down without a battle of wits. |
|
|
|
Post by empyre on Dec 18, 2016 21:52:36 GMT -6
Felix || Slave Trader
Felix had known that freeing those vagabonds would land him in trouble sooner or later. One doesn't just release what Aodh considers its property without facing the consequences, just as one would have to expect punishment for stealing money or a priceless family heirloom. He just wished this whole thing could be swept under the rug. In the grand scheme of things it didn't really matter. The vagabonds were either going to be released or burned, either way they weren't going to end up slaves so why did everyone care so much? Did wounded pride account for so much that these equines were taken away from their own busy lives to decide the fate of three lowly slavers who didn't want to watch innocent lives burn?
The scrawny stallion sighed as he, Mathias, and Deidra were called forth. He wished, not for the first time, that Zuriel were here somewhere, to comfort him if nothing else, but that was not the case. He kept his head lowered as he followed Deidra into the courtroom, his eyes cast down at her back hooves in front of him up until they reached their destination and he moved instead to stand beside her. He glanced upwards at the three horses who would be judging him for his supposed crimes. Felix couldn't help but to find it quite ironic --being tried for saving lives.
He knew Amadeus immediately, the child was practically half Felix's age and yet was his king. Sure, Felix didn't dislike him in the slightest, but he just felt more as though he should be ruffling the boy's mane and telling him to run along and play with his friends rather than bow down to him as an authority figure. The two advisers by his sides were less familiar to him, though still recognizable. Bones was the older fellow, and the harsh looking one was Azazel. Felix had seen them both before, and done business with the later on occasion --though he was sure that wouldn't get him very far in his current situation.
He gave Deidra a sideways glance, hoping she had some trick up her sleeve to get them out of this, cause as much as he'd like to be the brilliant hero here he just couldn't see a way out of this.
post 1 || 384 words |
|
|
|
Post by carichimera on Dec 20, 2016 1:49:35 GMT -6
Mathias_______
It wasn't any surprise when the Chavaliers came for him and took him to the cold prison to await trial. It was only a matter of time. Bail was offer to the uncommonly poor slave trader, it was found that he could not pay it. It gave Mathias time to lay in his cell and think about everything that lead up to this moment. He scolded himself for not acting against slavery years ago, he could have helped so many slaves reach freedom, regain their lives. He deserved to be here, he deserved to be tried for his negligence and not for treason. He failed to see that he was only fueling the problem, despite his efforts to fix them. He was ready for his judgement...
But as the large stallion was brought into the hall that lead to the court room, ribs showing and stomach sunken in, he thought to Mertal. The servile slave used for his nursemaid, born into slavery and died in slavery, there were so many equines he could still try to save, if he were set free he could help to free them, he could do more. With a grunt he thought of his sister, she would have to find work, sell the family house and the slaves that he sheltered, she would think of him as the horse who threw away everything his father had worked for. But he could be better then his father before him. Mathias held his head up high as they were practically herded into the courtroom, where the king and his two advisers stared at them. If he were put to death because he was involved in saving another life, he would walk gladly into the pyre.
Post 1
294 words |
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 23, 2016 18:16:23 GMT -6
Amadeus and Frannie
Amadeus’ eyes tracked the accused, and despite an attempt being made, he was unable to keep his frown fully obscured. While he didn’t know Felix beyond the legal documents provided for the trial, he knew Deidra and Mathias. The former had trained Frannie and, if he wasn’t mistaken, she’d provided Adviser Isador’s prized slave as well. Her name was well known- huge, really- and even among the nobility it commanded respect. That an upstanding citizen such as she should be standing trial was unthinkable. But then there was Mathias. To see a hero of the Crucible attack stand before him as a suspected criminal was a surreal feeling. The stallion had gone toe to toe with the leader of the terrorist Vagabonds; in the King’s mind, that made him more aware of their inherent violence than most. Why, then, did he now stand in a courtroom, accused of a heinous crime? Amadeus shook his head, and swallowed hard. The situation was disquieting before it had even truly begun. “Frannie.” He called, willing his voice to carry with some measure of authority, “ The legal documents, please.” Eyes glanced to the so called accused, while Frannie only knew one, it was enough to make her worry, though she hide it well. A voice broke the thickening silence and she was thankful, until she realized it was her own name being called out. Eyes turned to face the King, and she dipped her head lowly as she found the papers and quickly placed them before the King. Yet as she dropped the papers, she stole a quick glance at the King. Her eyes sparkled with faith, her happiness and joy hardly wavering, even in moments like this. A soft smile grew on her lips, as if saying it’s alright. Frannie dipped her head, smile vanishing from her face as she moved back to her place in Court. She looked out to accused once more. Eyes searching within their faces for the answers her heart yearned to hear. Surely there was a reason, a reason for all of this.It gave him strength, that glance. Frannie was near and dear to his heart, as much a family member as his own cousins, his aunt, and Bones. As much as his heart fluttered and a dread cloyed in his throat, he felt secure in knowing he was flanked by those he held dear- and that they in turn were secure in him. A little faith could go a long way. As Amadeus glanced over the papers and then looked back up at the suspected criminals, he allowed that faith to steel him. “ Felix. Deidra. Mathias. You three stand beneath the eyes of our Lord, accused of treason. You assaulted a Chevalier, the Hooves of the Crown, and purposefully released criminals from the King’s Justice.” For all his trying, Amadeus could not project his voice into something intimidating. Within the great throne room his words were soft, paper thin echoes of what could have been, had tragedy not struck and his mother yet lived. Nonetheless, he continued. “ Before your King and your God, How do you plead?” So it all begins, Frannie thought to herself as the King began to speak. His voice was soft like the bird flight and though it may not hold the power of a dragon, it still could show the gravity of this situation. The King continued on and asked how they all pleaded, and Frannie felt her breath hitch within her chest. Treason, what exactly was the crime for treason again? Mind scrambling for the answer, and yet she was unable to find it, from either negligence in her training, or refusing to accept what would come of all of this.
Frannie’s eyes searched Deidra’s and looked to Mathias and Felix. What had happened in the short time frame of Frannie’s departure to this? To freeing criminals, attacking chevaliers? Was this a test? Deidra was known for her absurd tests. Was this one of them? Frannie was unsure, but she felt herself stiffen all the more, correcting her posture as a servile slave, and she knew regardless of what would happen. Frannie would not plead for Deidra, no, she would remain with the King as her job was supposed to be. Though many would assume it was only the job that kept her to the side of the King it was so much more. Amadeus was like the flesh of her own, a brother not by blood, but by souls. Their friendship knew no bounds, and even though it was tested in moments like this, she would not be moved. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2016 18:27:51 GMT -6
Bones
Bones cleared his throat as the three 'convicts' were shuffled in.
"Well then, I spose we ought to get this show on th' road eh?" Bones said calmly, one grey brow rising as he looked at Azazel and Amadeus. He looked at Deidra and Mathias and Felix, pursing his lips a bit, looking more like a dissapointed parent than a judge. Deidra and Felix looked little worse for wear, but Mathias looked a bit thin, though not as thin as Bones himself. Bones looked quite frail these days, even lying down.
"So, let me get this straight. Vagabonds, albeit thieves... were due t'be burnt alive? Yes? I'm right on tha'? Good. Aand you three decided you'd take it upon yaselves to purchase em, despite bein thieves? After a deal with Chevaliers fell through yeh attacked em?" Bones paused. He glanced at Azazel and Amadeus, eyes flicking to Frannie as well. He seemed confused, perhaps a bit frustrated even.
"Well, as I see it, I dont know why you're even here. As far as I am aware... there is no law prohibiting Slave Traders... buying slaves... is there? Th’ fact that you were willin’ to buy thieves speaks to somethin’ ‘igher in you three, and I appreciate that. Though, I do think some punishment oughta be doled out a bit fer th’assaultin Chevaliers, that was a bit too far" Bones went quiet again, thoughtful. "Though I myself would have preffered fer violence to not 'ave broken out, Ah do think th' ones who shoul' be in 'ere shoul' be the Chevaliers you tried teh parley with, seems they were a tad unreasonable.I’d rather pers’nally see thieves not get burnt alive, seems a bit of a steep crime fer thievin" He lifted his head as far as it would go on that threadbare neck of his, and frowned.
"Deidra, is anything I said untrue?" he asked her blatantly, knowing by experience she was the leader of this. She had to be.
"Mathias, what say you? You too Felix, i'd like t'hear from all three of yeh" Bones said, looking to the other two as well, his voice cracking slightly. |
|
|
|
Post by GingerBlues on Dec 26, 2016 13:13:41 GMT -6
AzazelWhen I pretend everything is what I want it to be
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to see
Glancing back over his shoulder at Micah as the trio were ushered in, the adviser nodded slightly, motioning for the spotted hippocampus to come closer. The gelding acquiesced, bringing a stack of papers, a pen, and an inkwell along, as he'd been instructed earlier. Azazel knew when he was summoned to the trial he wouldn't have time to take notes for his records and keep up with everything, so he passed the duty on to his most trusted slave. Micah nodded dutifully as he settled into the most comfortable position he could manage, beginning to jot down everything that was said.
The striped adviser watched in embarrassment as Amadeus spoke. Nothing about the colt even hinted at understanding or power, and yet, here he was, ruling a country and presiding over this thrice damned trial. Listening as the young king opened the floor to the accused, he waited for their responses. Instead, his ears were assaulted by the grating voice of the other adviser, Bones.
The older horse droned on about how he didn't feel the slavers were entirely in the wrong, and how the chevalier's themselves should be on trial. It almost made Azazel laugh out loud, but he was careful to keep his composure. Of course the spotted stallion would feel it was appropriate to interject whenever he wanted. The horse had no class, or understanding of standard operating procedure, even after near eleven years of working as an adviser. It was utterly ridiculous that he hadn't been forced into retirement yet.
Azazel wanted to respond right then, and counter Bone's ridiculous argument with solid facts, but he held his tongue for the moment, biding his time. He'd have his chance to disprove the idiocy he was hearing later. Instead, he turned his attention back to the accused, waiting for their response to this whole mess. After all, the King had asked them a question before Bones rudely interrupted, and Azazel was truly curious about what they had to say for themselves.
Post #: 2
Word Count: 333 |
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Dec 26, 2016 16:22:37 GMT -6
DeidraSlave Trader
When the King began to speak, Deidra could almost mentally sigh. His voice was soft as a servile slave, and yet he was her King and Deidra like the slaves she trained knew how to behave. Over the many months that have passed, her feelings towards the King had began to waver, so much so, she was doubting he would be a worthy King, someone else should stand in their spot instead. If Deidra had this feeling surely there were others too that had to doubt this child. For what all had happened since his reign, it was out to be a terrible year for Aodh. Deidra stood there and listened to the King speak though, her face stained with her harsh look, she was deemed having one of the harshest resting bitch face here in Aodh. Her eyes sharp as a cobra about to strike, and a frown adorned her lips like a crown, giving her a look as harsh as last winter.
When the King asked how the pleaded, Dedira had to ask herself how did she plead? Sure she had did such things, but in a way she felt forced to do such things. Compelled to do all of this. While silence grasped the air, threatening for someone to speak, someone seemed to give in and that was none other, then Bones himself. Brow arose faintly as she looked to the older equine, a bit surprised he had spoken before any of the three, but it gave her a chance to gather her thoughts and maybe that was he was planning, he may be old, but at times the old man could be quite clever. Eyes glanced to her comrades around her, and she wondered what would they plead? Would they say guilty and condemn themselves so easily, or would she force them once more to fight. A sift sigh escaped her lips as she continued to listening to Bones and soon he asked them all their thoughts. Silence once more enveloped the room as no one spoke, but the silence was threatening for someone to give in and speak, and Deidra took the lead naturally.
"You speak truthfully Bones, but yet you all have heard only their part of story and not our own." she spoke with power in her voice, as if demanding them to look onto her. "But perhaps we should speak of what had lead to everything. Lets starts with the falling of the Crucible." she remarked coldly. "It was a grave day, a day I shall not forget, none of us shall." Head turned to all of them as her ears flickered back . "We were all taken aback, how could something like this had happened. Vagabonds had attacked and even our own slaves have tried to escape. It was a mess a disaster, and we had to be quick to turn our terror into blame. Who could we blame? Well to everyone it was easy, Vagabonds. We even captured one, yet despite our laws, We allowed this Vagabond who helped ruin that day for all of us forever. We allowed them to live, to be sent to the wall. But that didnt stop there." Deidra spoke clearly to them all, taking time with each word allowing it all to settle in with ease.
"We started to take Vagabonds from Serora, having them ship them to us for trade. Something I didnt care about, until I found out exactly what we were doing with them. Burning them all alive, how odd that we took but mere petty thieves and killed them without a second thought, but an equine who helped destroy the Crucible got to live. So odd isn't it?" she asked the court, but cared little to hear their reply. "In all honesty my party and I were hoping we could do something that would have benefit all of Aodh. We hoped to perhaps purchase some of the Vagabonds to make into slaves, those that did not seem to be fit for being a slave could go to the wall, be a labor slave." she remarked. "Aodh was built upon the backs of labor slaves, why not have those that have done us wrong be the ones to repay it, if they show to be more of a burden, then to the pyre, to flames for all I care. Yet as we trade to buy some of those Vagabonds and turn them into something worth wild, we walked down a dangerous path with these Chevaliers. They were nothing like the chevaliers I had seen patrolling the city, doing the King's good work. No instead, they made this a dangerous game for us, suddenly coin wasn't what they wanted, they wanted more and we played along, until this game grew darker and more chevaliers came out to play. To you all it may seem three to three, but we are slave traders, were a not trained warriors like Chevaliers, so when two other ones showed up willing to play the game, can you not understand us to be worried suddenly about ourselves? We were stuck playing along with their game, in hopes they we may not be consumed ourselves. It was obvious to us, there would be no way for use to escape without a fight." she remarked honestly. Deidra had no shame in what she said, she was not a fighter, but by Ignacio's blue flame, she wouldn't go out without one. Sure they had released some slaves, but Deidra had planned to capture a few if she had not be so preoccupied with not getting trampled down. She managed to escape like perhaps the others with some bruises and minor wounds. "So you all may ask what do I plead? I plead not guilty. It was self defense in our case." Deidra looked to the court dipping her head and allowing one of the others to speak about their experience and perhaps they could follow along for what she had laid out for them.
Post 2
WC|| 1005 |
|
|
|
Post by carichimera on Jan 2, 2017 1:36:07 GMT -6
Mathias stayed quiet as the court continued, the king bringing the charges forward and asking how the three pleaded. The large draft was surprised when the old advisor came to their defense, he had not thought there were higher ups who thought the same as himself. He thought over the charges and what he would say. He could hardly think clearly, he had never been to court or really had to speak up for his own freedom. For his own life. But he would die happily knowing that these were his last words, or live knowing he would carry those words out. So he had a choice.
" I plead guilty to the crimes you have accused me of, your majesty." The words came out in a raspy yet firm tone, as if he did not fear the future. "But I do not regret my actions. I can stand by no longer, now I will speak my mind before you and Ignacio himself." He spoke boldly and directly at the young king, as if they were the only equines in the room.
"For many generations my family has bought and sold slaves for the citizens and nobles of Valore. Those slaves who built this city, those slaves who died for a city that did not care for them, a city which grew fat and lazy at the expense of their blood and sweat." Mathias focused his fiery green eyes on the ones who would decide his fate and the fate of the other traders. "I went into my family's wretched business to try to make the lives of the slaves that I sold better, sell them to mind masters and gain money doing it, but I see now that my actions were useless. They encouraged the gruesome trade. That night of the pyre I even thought about how much those equines who were to burned would go for!" Matthias couldn't help but stamp a heavy hoof into the stone floor, getting more angry at himself as he continued to speak.
"Slavery is sickness in the minds of the equines of Valore! Sentencing equines to burn in a pyre for trying to correct that sickness will be this city's downfall. All life, even vagabond lives, are precious. But is life really so meaningless to you that you would throw is away or put a price on it? Well my king, I tell you that I plead guilty to these crimes. Yet for all the equines this city has wrongfully enslaved I say that all of my actions were just." Matthias took a deep breath and stepped back slightly.
____
Words: 440
Post # 2
|
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Jan 5, 2017 13:27:07 GMT -6
AmadeusAmadeus’ attention had been unwavering as Deidra came forward to say her piece, gaze settled on the mare’s proud face and the fire that burned there, just behind her dark eyes. She spoke of the Crucible and the Vagabonds who had infiltrated their glittering city; a personal failing, Amadeus knew, and he struggled to keep his ears from falling, and struggled harder yet to hold the mare’s gaze. It was difficult, for Deidra's gaze could burn like a brand. He was thankful when the narrative shifted to the foul murderer who now rebuilt what he had helped destroy, if only just, for there was an air of accusation to the words that made his skin itch. Amadeus raised his chin, and forced his voice to project. “The vagabond… the Vindicator, as they call themselves, was kept alive at the suggestion of my Advisers.” The King explained. “For information and possible leverage, you see, against his accomplices. The risk of keeping him alive is, is worth the value he can offer.”
He fell quiet again, allowing Deidra to continue, spinning her side of the story in a direction that quickly found the young King perplexed. “Dangerous games?” He repeated, voice lost of its confidence. Amadeus looked to the papers at his hooves, and then grasped them with a brush of his teke, collecting the documents under his nose and rifling through them for some semblance of an answer. “The report doesn’t mention any untoward behavior from the Chevaliers...”
His gaze swung back to Deidra, a frown on his lips. The Chevaliers were an extension of the Crown itself, trained to be noble and just. All of his teachings, all of his advisements would suggest a prompt dismissal of such outrageous accusations. And yet-
Mathias’ voice broke through his thoughts. Amadeus swung his attention to the stallion and gaped, bewildered, as a hero of Valore not only admitted his guilt, but justified it in a voice more powerful and sincere than the King could ever hope to project. Amadeus felt himself leaning backwards, and flinched when one of the stallion’s heavy hooves slammed upon the marble. Minutely, the young King wondered at the state of reality, for surely only in dreams could a citizen yell in his direction- but no, this was quite real, and despite the audacity of it, Amadeus heard the stallion’s words.
A silence dogged the steps of Mathias’ speech, pregnant with potential and tension. Amadeus broke it, muttering almost to himself. “You are a hero of this city. How can… you do not regret releasing criminals back into our homeland? Truly?”
The King swallowed, blinking. “Without slavery, Valore would not exist as it is. Do you not enjoy your life? Do you not cherish that you are never sick, never hungry, never cold?”
His eyes moved to Frannie. He meant to look at her face, but found himself distracted by the bit between her teeth. “And they are not unhappy. You are not unhappy.” A pause, and then, more quietly, “Are you unhappy?”
Attention swiveled to Felix, found him quiet, and so Amadeus allowed himself to return his attention to Deidra. “Can you… can you please elaborate on the behavior of the Chevaliers?” He prompted, voice treacherously uncertain.
|
|
|
|
Post by GingerBlues on Jan 5, 2017 23:10:49 GMT -6
AzazelWhen I pretend everything is what I want it to be
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to see
“Can you… can you please elaborate on the behavior of the Chevaliers?”
Amadeus's voice seemed shaken as he spoke, and the adviser knew he must do something if this trial were to remain in tact. "My king," Azazel's voice was calm and authoritative as he spoke. "The chevaliers in command of the prisoners at the time , though considering some shady dealings, thought better of it and upheld the law as they are entrusted to do. Though their behavior wasn't fitting of one of our great nations chevaliers at that moment, they have been dealt with internally." He paused, ruffling through the stack of papers in front of him before passing off the legal documents with the details of the chevaliers transgression and the actions taken to the young king.
"But, If I may remind everyone here, it is not the Chevaliers that are on trial at this moment. It is these three traitors." He turned his gaze to the older adviser as he continued. "While it is not illegal for our slave traders to purchase slaves, it is highly illegal to approach a chevalier in an attempt to purchase a criminal slated for execution." Turning to face the accused once more, his voice grew a bit louder. "When these three were ultimately told they would not be able to purchase the criminals for resale, they attacked the chevaliers while freeing the condemned into our great city once more, allowing them to continue stealing, injuring, and killing our populous. This was no act of charity or protest against slavery, this was a deliberate act of terrorism to release criminals upon our citizens." He paused once more his eyes narrowing as he stared at the slavers.
"If you truly had a problem with the actions that were being taken, you should have gone through the proper channels, petitioning the king. Instead you chose to defy him." His eyes fell on Deidra, " You speak of the absolute execution of all vagabonds, which isn't the case. Only those who have committed crimes against our people are being punished, and in the same manner we would punish a citizen accused of the same crimes." His gaze shifted to Mathias as he continued." And you, you act as if this a trial about slavery? You rebuke our king and defend your traitorous actions, when instead of doing something that could actually bring about the changes you wish to see, you incriminated yourself and hurt our nation."
Shaking his head in disdain, the stallion grew silent once more, making a note on the sheet in front of him as he waited for the trial to continue.
Post #: 3
Word Count: 446 |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2017 23:56:51 GMT -6
Bones sighed, a long shaky breath emanating from his nose. He’d tried to stay as quiet as he could, let others talk, but the itch to explode was just too much, especially as Azazels voice slid through the room like some horrible snake. He coughed once, and the room hushed. Well thats handy, he thought to himself absently, grizzled brows rising for a second as he looked around.
“I really think you need to tone it down over there Azazel. You’re making these three look like the murderers here.” He turned to Azazel, his pale blue eyes very unkind. His brows lowered, muzzle wrinkling in an expression of distinct distaste. Deliberate act of terrorism my ass.
“By the way Azazel, i think ‘deliberate act of terrorism’ is putting it a little harshly. Wait, no a LOT harshly.” He huffed what resembled a laugh and shook his head. Bones got slowly to his hooves with a fair amount of difficulty, hobbling forward a few steps, looking quite frail. The past year had been hard on him, the grief, the stress, the worry. Bones had lost weight, he’d gone grayer. He looked old. At least his mind seemed sharp.
“Deidra." Bones paused to take in a raspy breath, “You are shrewd, in a good way, and I trust you do fair business, though I myself may not approve of the nature of your trade. I trust your words, against the Chevaliers of Valore as they may be. I see no reason for you to lie. Azazel, please tell me, for clarification, what actually happened to the chevaliers? You said it was ‘dealt with internally’ i believe we have access to those papers, what was their punishment for their behavior toward these three?” Bones paused, glancing around, looking for any sort of reaction from anyone in the room. When none came, he continued.
“As for you Mathias. Watch your words. While I myself agree with you wholeheartedly, there are others in this room who would rather call heresy on you and watch you burn too. As much as i’d like to agree with Azazel on going about this the ‘proper’ way I have not seen a petition reach Amadeus as of yet, so I’m sure you can understand my skepticism.” a brief icy stare was cast at Azazel. “This trial is not about your feelings on slavery, as much as I wish it were. This trial is about the accusation that you three broke laws of Aodh. Though, I do think it would do good to look at our own laws and see whether we ourselves bent them a bit too far.” Bones paused, looking at Amadeus and Azazel. “We, who acted as though we had the right and the appropriate leverage to-t-...” Bones pulled in a shaky breath, his pulse escalating, heart rising into his throat. Pain started to tear through his chest. He was getting a bit worked up, talking a bit too fast, so he paused. Did they really have the rights to do this in the first place? Could they really trade equines around like this? Like livestock? They already did with their own citizens he supposed.
“To make a deal with desperate Serorans. A deal that demands they hand over a mostly peaceful people to us, so we can burn those we deem dangerous alive.” The last few words hung in the air with a terrible sepulchral chill. Noone, not even Amadeus, had ever heard Bones this intensely furious. Annoyed yes, frustrated of course… but furious? Never.
Bones could still smell the sweet stench of death from those burnings in his nose, even after the burnings had ended, and could still feel the turn in his gut. They’d burnt roughly 50 souls. Fifty souls too many for him to feel comfortable with. Bones wheezed, cheeks pink. His ribs heaved under his thin skin, visible to all in attendance. He did not seem well all of a sudden. Not well at all.
Though, instead of taking a clearly much needed breather, he continued, voice growing rough and angry and terrifying.
“We can’t enslave and govern all of Hireath, and I don’t know how others don’t see that. Solaris did. Amadeus, I hate to be angry at you but I am. I thought I taught you better than this. Some slaves, a majority in my experience ARE unhappy. Very much so. The average citizen may not be sick, hungry or cold, and that is a blessing, but many slaves are under the yoke of one of those, if not all three, as well as the yoke of a master.” It was obvious Bones was not pleased, his blue eyes, usually so kind and gentle, blazed. One could almost feel the anger radiating off his scarred coat.
This was the first time in a long time, perhaps ever, that he had truly been angry enough at Amadeus that he had actually yelled. He halfway regretted it, but he was getting awfully sick of the boy's ignorance to the very world around him. He had his head shoved far too far up his own ass and Bones was about to chock some reality his way. He'd loved him gently all these years, now it was time for some tough love.
“Any who tell you otherwise have been brainwashed into submission.The blessings many common folk enjoy come at a cost of hundred of lives every year. You’ve never seen it Ammy, you’ve never had to. You are not seeing what is right in front of you. Literally.” Bones’ venerable voice cracked and died in the last sentence, echoing around the chamber. He had actually yelled, raised his voice for the first time in years. There was a moment of dead silence, punctuated only by Bones’ labored breathing, his face scarlet, slender limbs shuddering as he stood there, facing the boy king and Azazel in all his stripes. Bones had invoked Solaris’ name, something not many did these days. The two had been close, yes, but he hadn’t so much as spoken her name in months. The mention of her name sent another bolt of pain through his heart, and his lifted head lowered, as if the string holding it up had snapped. It was true, Amadeus had a shining example of what slavery could do to an equine standing not 3 feet from him. Bones’ scars spoke more than his words could.
“OH another note to you Azazel. How are our people supposed to make Aodh better, like what you said to Mathias here, when the higher ups don’t even make a good example? Tell me how does that work? The example we have set for our people is that, in order to heal from tragedy, we take it out on others, burn criminals, and make shady deals with peaceful people. I don’t think that’s how you rebuild a broken nation. Please, for the love of Ignacio, bite your venomous tongue for once and set a damned good example!” He barked, furious, tail flashing. Azazel was just as blind as the rest of them. Why Solaris had ever chosen such an icicle was beyond him.
Only then did it become painfully obvious that something was wrong with Bones. He’d gotten far too worked up, far too angry. His rage had finally spilled out, taking whatever energy he’d had for the day with it and it left him weak, swaying slightly, his pulse refusing to slow as it roared in his ears. He moved back to his padded place next to Amadeus, his worn ears pulling back against his skull as he lowered himself back down, clearly in some amount of pain. He was operational, yes, but it was still worrying, particularly likely for Amadeus and Frannie, who’d likely never seen Bones so weak before.
“I think I’m done. My suggested verdict is a week of house arrest for assault of a Chevalier and unlawful purchase of a convict, though I don’t like my verdict, i’d rather see you all just go, I feel as though Azazel here would try to rip me a new one if i said otherwise and i’m far too tired for that. And Azazel before it even rolls through your mind, i’m not giving in to you don’t even think I am. This is called meeting in the middle, something you should try more often.” he breathed, a crease having formed between his eyebrows. A pale blue fire, not so unlike Ignacio’s, blazed in his eyes. His tongue was the beast weapon he had. He’d speak again if he needed to, but he knew he couldn’t rise again, not now.
WC: 1469 (he had things to say sue me)
|
|
|
|
Post by empyre on Jan 6, 2017 18:07:49 GMT -6
Felix || Slave Trader
*looks into the camera* Felix watched the conversation between the other equines gathered in the court room with a growing sense of dread. 'This is it,' he thought, a slight frown pulling at the corners of his usually stoic expression, 'this is how I die.' His ears perked up for a moment when Amadeus' gaze landed on him, and he thought perhaps now he'd have a moment to speak instead of contemplating the likelihood of being able to give Zuriel that painting he'd done for their anniversary before Azazel delivered Divine Justice upon him and his friends for their Sins. Amadeus' eyes moved on, however, and Felix's ears pinned back with a sigh. So much for that he supposed.
He listened as Azazel spoke once more, cutting off whatever Deidra might have said about the behavior of the chevaliers, a tightness coiling in his gut. Usually being ignored was normal to him. He was quiet, he didn't like talking to people if he could avoid it, but this was something far too important for him to be content with being talked over. He was standing here, at his own trial, and nobody had addressed him. He hadn't even stated how he pleaded. His brows furrowed minutely, as he turned his gaze to the ground, though his ears remained at attention in order to listen.
Bones jumped in right after Azazel, which caused Felix's ears to pin once more in frustration, though as the old stallion's lengthy speech came to a close he seemed to be running out of breath and looking a bit ragged. Before Felix could say anything about it, however, the two slaves which had been standing with the nobles also seemed to notice and gently helped Bones rise and limp out of the room.
Felix lifted his head to watch them leave, but soon recognized this as his chance to speak. He stepped forward, to stand slightly in front of his companions. He knew there was little chance of being noticed otherwise, his voice was too soft to catch any attention without action. His heart pounded in his chest, his throat tightening for a moment before he shut his eyes for a brief moment. 'This is work,' he reasoned with himself, 'you're just bargaining for your life, instead of a slave's.'
With a deep breath turquoise eyes opened once more, their gaze aimed up at Azazel. "I would like to speak now." He stated, the tremor in his voice barely noticeable, his nerves fading as he fell easily into his work facade. "I wish to plead innocent of assaulting a chevalier, I never once lifted a hoof against them." He paused for a moment to think before he continued.
"As for the vagabonds, I-..." He began, the words he'd planned dying on his lips, thoughts of Zuriel rising to the forefront of his mind. He couldn't die here, and not for this, not when he held the other stallion's heart...but he could never live with himself if he didn't say this now.
"As for the vagabonds, it was more than just an issue with Aodh." He spoke quietly, gaze flickering down, "It was a matter of...not wanting to sit idly by while those equines were caged, beaten, and-...and, destroyed. It was more than execution, it- it was slaughter. The chevaliers were cruel, they took pleasure in their pain." Felix lifted his head once more, "It was-...more than wanting to harm this herd. I couldn't care less how you choose to run it, and I-.. don't wish to harm anyone...that's why I did it. Compassion."
His eyes narrowed in the closest he'd ever come to truly glaring, "Forgive me, but if compassion is a crime, execute me where I stand."
|
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 7, 2017 15:04:51 GMT -6
FrannieServile Slave
"I enjoy long romantic walks to the fridge."
A wave of nervousness rushed through her core as she watched the scene before. A look of pity crossed her face at the mention of Vagabonds being burned alive, she was soft to say the least, a go happy little thing, and being here, to here these tales. It made her feel uneasy about it all, yet like she was told to ever since her birth, she remained standing in her position, glancing a bit to the fellows that spoke. Some of what they said, made her want to twist her face in disgust, who dare any of them say such things. Especially the remark of slaves here, made her want to speak herself, though she remained quiet. Frannie's head quickly shot up as Bones began to speak, she was indeed fond of the old gent, he allowed her to be more at ease with who she was. Though she had a knack of shinning through of who she truly was even in her position. A fun little Frannie quirk. But yet as Bones began to speak, she found herself wanting to frown. This had quickly became a bicker between them all, and Frannie worried with frustrations high, would that leave these three in worse shape then before? Yet As Bones ended his long winded speech, she was shocked to see him crumble a bit, and soon two horses helped him, and excused him from the meeting. This wasn't good.
Eyes shifted nervously, as she let her tongue curl against the bit in her mouth in some shape of comfort. Frannie had never found herself miserable, it was up to an equine to choose how they saw all of this. As Deidra had taught her and many others, the more one sulks, the worse everything is going to be, but if one tries to make the bets of every situation, everything feels less as a burden. Frannie had never though herself miserable though, and her heart ached, perhaps not all were treated right, maybe not all had a teacher like herself. Frannie sighed faintly as she lifted a brow and spotted Amadeus looking to her. A bright smile crossed her lips, as she gave him that 'I found more candy smile' Frannie hoped her award winning smile, would be enough to comfort Amadeus, and somehow with him looking to her, filled her with a sense that yes there was a reason for everything, and even for what would deem a sad slave, she had gained far more then most equines could even imagine.
Post 3
WC|| 428
|
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 7, 2017 15:38:39 GMT -6
DeidraSlave Trader
Deidra had said her dues and it was time for the others to speak, and yet as Mathias opened his trap, she felt the need to glare at him. But instead she bit her tongue, and tried to calm herself. Yet as Mathais spoke more, she wanted to beg him to shut up. His views on slaves was not to be questioned here, and did he forget he was a slave trader. A SLAVE TRADER. He deals with slaves and yet she speaks so lowly on it all, but that's fine. It wasn't herself saying it and she had made many slaves happy and even bought back those that have been treated cruelly. Though still Deidra thought herself, those views were not in questioned, what was themselves and what the hell they all were thinking. Deidra can happily admit anger fueled the fire and she lashed out at the head Chevalier with the creepy grin, he deserved that hit and righteously so.
One breath at a time, she thought to herself, though her head turned up as the King spoke. It was in time he asked about the Chevaliers, as they should be mentioned as they were part of the reason they all were here. "Yes my King. Those three had turned this into an ill and cruel game. We were left deciding who would be saved and who would die. They paraded the vagabonds like nothing. Even for criminals, they didn't deserve to be abused before sent to the pyre. They told us to pick two to save, and the other would die. A dangerous game and if you look at us all. We are not trained fighters, unlike the Chevaliers, who may have equaled us in numbers, but outmatched us naturally in skills of combat. So we did what we could to bid time to plan an escape." she remarked naturally.
Yet Azazel spoke chiming in as if it was nothing. Oh yes they had a good slap on the hoofs and sent home for the day for the behavior. She almost wanted to roll her eyes, but she kept her composure. She had dealt with worse slaves, then the ones before her now. If she could handle the roughest of the rough, she could handle these judges before. Though the more he spoke, the more a faint smirk crossed her lips. How nice, she thought, to make the King look like a fool before them all. One point for the accused, she thought smugly to herself. "If I may Azazel, it is because of those Chevaliers that we stand here before you all. They are key components to our testimony. We are not asking them to be brought before us all, we are stating our end of the story." she remarked, though it was clear how Azazel spoke, they were guilty, hell he had even bothered to hear out what they said. His decision was made already it seemed. Pity, Deidra thought, but what comes around goes around she thought.
Thankfully another voice filled the court, Bones had decided to speak, and Deidra glanced at Felix wondering when in the world he was going to speak up and say something, or was he like Azazel and found himself guilty of all crimes. Yet as Bones spoke, she narrowed her eyes a bit, he was getitng overworked and she was sure the rest could see. But he did not reel it in. Deidra sighed faintly as Bones had ended what he had to say and, yet there was something wrong and soon two horses escorted him out, and like that, their chances were growing slimmer and slimmer. but with Bones gone who would replace him. Finally a welcome voice had reached her ears. Felix had taken the time to speak, thank the gods.
But Deidra had thanked them too soon. Instead of standing up for himself, he too pleaded guilty on compassion, and Deidra found herself very compassionate for not giving him a swift kick in the leg. What the hell was going on with all of them? Did the think the fight was over already? Did they not care to be found guilty, their money, property and slaves given out without a cause? Deidra refused to burn at the pyre so easily. Hell no, she would fight this all tooth and nail, and she would. Gods help a womans fury, especially if it was Deidra's fury. Gods have mercy.
Post 3
wc|| 740
|
|
|
|
Post by carichimera on Jan 9, 2017 21:42:01 GMT -6
After the initial rush of emotion that swept over Mathias had subsided, he felt his heart sink down to his hooves. The old adviser that seemed to have been defending them was ushered out of the court, and despite his encouraging words, the large draft horse couldn't but feel like the whole thing was hopeless. He pipped down as he was reprimanded for his harsh words aimed at the king, but he didn't pay much mind. He listened to Felix speak with, he couldn't help but smile at his words, they were lasting and well thought out, unlike his own.
Mathias nodded as Deidra spoke up again, it was clear that she was angry at him for what he had said but it all made perfect sense to him. He knew what he had to say wasn't what the king and that adviser, Azazel, wanted. "What Deidra says is true, the chavaliers were being sadistic and inhumane, we put a stop to it. If those chavaliers represent who we are supposed to put our trust in to protect us, then i think what we did was justifiable." Mathias let out a small snort as he try to move his messy hair from his eyes.
____
Post #3
WC 209
|
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Jan 13, 2017 8:52:35 GMT -6
AmadeusAmadeus’ attention snapped to Azazel as he spoke. The boy king was reverent of all his Advisers. His mother had hoof selected them, and that was reason enough to place his trust in the astute minds that lended their guidance. Amadeus had known his mother well, knew that she had a scrutinizing eye and a keen sense for a horse’s character. Those who had claimed her confidence could boast they had his as well.
Azazel in particular was a stallion who held fast to the law, a vocal proponent for order. In justice, he was uncompromising. Amadeus admired the Adviser’s ability to set aside sentiment, for it was a skill the King sorely lacked, and was fairly certain he would never acquire. A part of him hoped he never would, that he could always rely on someone else to make the hard decisions… but that was not the worthy thoughts of a King, and to himself Amadeus frowned.
Self-pity quickly gave way to surprise as Bones spoke up, and kept speaking. In all the days he had been alive, Amadeus had never witnessed the kindly horse grow so angry. Bones was as much a father to him as his true sire had been, and thus when the bickering amongst his Advisers subsided into anger directed at him, Amadeus’ heart went from fluttering to thoroughly wrecked. He shrank from the fury in his eyes, and said nothing until the old horse had run out of steam - almost quite literally.
“Bones?” He blinked, half-rising from the throne. The ragged wheeze coming from his friend’s chest was enough to tighten his own. Amadeus looked to the palace slaves waiting in the wings, directing them with a nod. “Somewhere quiet, and fetch him water… find Rosie, if you can.”
The King watched the Adviser go, took a breath, and redirected his focus to the task at hoof.
Felix was speaking, pleading innocence and guilt alike. The pride he took for his actions was quieter than Mathias’ unapologetic proclamation, but Amadeus found it no less confusing. “If what you say is true, I wholeheartedly agree that something must be done about this unchecked brutality. But,” He said, brows furrowing lightly, “surely there is a better solution than releasing criminals into our realm. Your herdmates will suffer the continuation of their unlawful actions. What of your compassion for your own kin?”
As he spoke, Amadeus failed to notice Deidra’s growing exasperation. A talented business mare knew how to hide her emotions well; with so little experience, the King was rendered oblivious. Her even tone did nothing to change that perception. Amadeus listened to her testimony with growing disbelief, for surely his own Chevaliers would not conduct themselves in such a way.
And yet, he couldn’t quite dismiss the claim. He didn’t share Bones’ theory that Deidra had no reason to lie. Amadeus was young and inexperienced, but he was not so guileless that he believed a mare accused of treason wouldn’t lie at the stand. But that Deidra was here at all... that was the odd part in all this, for while Felix and Mathias had revealed themselves to be sympathetic to the outlandish, the King knew that Deidra prided herself in her mark on the slave trade. She would not release criminals out of compassion as Felix had, nor did she harbor hatred for their traditions, as was the case with Mathias.
There had to be some truth to the words. Had to be. Why else…
Amadeus looked to Mathias as he threw in his agreement, and though good sense told him that the horse was not unbiased, the King couldn’t help but hold on to the image of a hero. He had saved their city from the vagabonds who sought to free the labor force, and so there must remain in him some semblance of loyalty to his own people.
“I see.” He said, for lack of better words. His gaze shifted to Azazel. “What… do you think, in light of these claims?”
|
|
|
|
Post by GingerBlues on Jan 17, 2017 2:48:04 GMT -6
AzazelWhen I pretend everything is what I want it to be
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to see
Azazel rolled his eyes as Bones began to speak, clearly annoyed by the older stallions passionate and ridiculously contradictory outburst. He waited patiently as the spotted horse continued on and on, flitting from one topic to another while defending the accused and throwing personal attacks at Azazel. It was certainly unbecoming of the older adviser, and such an outburst was far from needed at a time like this, but Azazel let it go, biding his time.
Finally, Bones ended his long winded speech, insulting the zorse one last time before almost collapsing from the energy he'd exerted. Azazel sighed heavily, watching as the older horse was led from the room to rest and likely see a doctor. The old horse should have never been there in the first place with his incapability to keep a level head and a biased opinion weighted towards the traitors standing before them.
He turned his attention back to the three slavers, listening as Felix actually opened his mouth. Although, by the time the younger horse had finished speaking, Azazel was wishing the damned fool had kept his trap shut.
"Forgive me, but if compassion is a crime, execute me where I stand." 'Gladly' the adviser thought as he glared back at the stallion, brows furrowing. He turned his gaze to Deidra and Mathias as they began squawking about the chevaliers once more, throwing red herrings at the young King to distract him from the matter at hoof. By now, Azazel wanted nothing more than to throw the criminals into Ignacio's raging fires, not for the sake of justice, but to shut up the ridiculousness spewing off their tongues.
Finally Amadeus spoke again, confusion, frustration and concern all evident in the young King's voice. After speaking to the accused, he addressed Azazel personally. “What… do you think, in light of these claims?”
The stallion turned to face the King, staring down at the unsure colt with a calm yet confident gaze. "I believe we should uphold the laws of our people and see justice served here today. These criminals have endangered our people and your kingdom, and they should be punished for their crimes. That said, I will personally attend to the matter of the chevaliers, to see if what these three say has any merit. If there is truth in their claims, I will see to it that our Chevaliers also face the justice they deserve. None should ever be exempt from our great country's laws, my king." He bowed slightly as he finished speaking, hoping the colt would see reason and follow through with the punishment the crimes deserved. The last thing Eithne needed right now was for the king to be perceived as weak.
Post #: 4
Word Count: 452 |
|
|
|
Post by empyre on Jan 18, 2017 18:11:59 GMT -6
Felix || Slave Trader
*looks into the camera* Felix listened the the response of his words intently, his brows furrowing once more. He hadn't expected the judges to be moved by his words, not really, and so their lack of violent response wasn't surprising. However he did find one point to be nagging at him, nibbling at his mind and pestering his thoughts.
"Forgive me, if you can," He spoke up again, his gaze darting from Amadeus to Azazel a few times before he found the words he wished to say, "but you continuously speak of the supposed threat now released within Aodh's lands." his gaze lands on the ground once more, knowing that he had already stepped across a line just by agreeing to help Deidra save those vagabonds those months ago. It was really starting to look like he had a death wish...
"By the way you speak of it, one would think thieves and murders are now running rampant in the streets of Valore. Tell me, my lords, where is this threat we have forced upon you?" he lifts his eyes back up to the judges, "I find it hard to believe any of them would step hoof back into Eithne after nearly being burned alive."
|
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 18, 2017 18:34:53 GMT -6
Frannie Servile Slave
Nervousness settled into her as she listened to it all, and found herself utterly confused. In all honesty this was far from the nature of Deidra, and for her other two companions. Frannie did not recall her former master having friends, so Frannie had suspected perhaps one of them had trapped her into doing this. Yet when the words of chevaliers being ruthless and burning all those poor souls, her heart broke and she wondered had it done the same for them all? But all of this sounded like foul play, a trap of some sort. This wasn't like her former master...
Ears flickered forwards as the King began to speak and she found herself lowering her head and closing her eyes to blind her from the faces of all and allowed herself only to listen. Frannie agreed there could have been a better way to handle of this, but if the chevaliers were as vile as they say, what choice did they have. When the King asked for the advice from another, Frannie now opened her eyes, and when Azazel spoke her heart dropped. He wanted them punished for their crimes and honestly it could lead them up to being burned at the pyre, the worst and most painful way to go. She was warned of the pyre, had it scalded into her mind that this was accepted this was normal, but the day she had burned herself she realized how terribly it had to be to be burnt alive like that.
Hesitantly she looked to the King, her eyes almost pleading for mercy, but as quick as she looked she looked away shamed. She could not let her heart speak her, she could not allow them to see a weakness in her. For she was a slave of the King, but more then that she was his friend as much as a friend as he was to her. Honestly Frannie did not expect the friendship to bloom, but it had and it was sweeter then any candy she had tasted, Though being her to witness perhaps the death toll for these three, she began to ponder. Could she look him in the eye knowing he sent them to the pyre if that was the decision? The idea made her stomach roll, and she wanted to lie down. But perhaps, Frannie thought the King could be clever and find another punishment fitting. If they had spared a vagabond that attacked the lands, surely they could spare aodhian citizens.
Post 4
WC|| 420 -lmao |
|
|
|
Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 18, 2017 18:59:16 GMT -6
Deidra
Slave Trader
Eyes glanced to Mathias as he began to speak and she found herself wanting to smile. Finally someone was trying to stand up and not plead guilty and hand their asses to the very same equine that wanted to see them burn. Though the King finally spoke and his words made Deidra stand still in a spot. They needed an excuse a reason for why they left the slaves out. Anything besides trying to free them to roam the streets like chicken. When the King asked for the advice from his adviser, Deidra nearly groaned with distaste. Azazel, the one ready to pull the lever and have them burned right here and now for their crimes. He was a stickler for the book, a real brown noser Deidra thought. As Azazel spoke her eyes seemed to harden a bit naturally, her bitch face growing a bit more grimmer as she listened on. Oh how convenient that he would handle the Chevaliers to make sure they all were liars, which it was clear he truly believed it if he didnt even know much about their claims. Lovely when the system was and judges were against her to begin with.
Felix spoke up and Deidra was indeed impressed, yes it seemed that know they all realized that they could literally die for their crimes, they began to sing a different tune. Which was good cause Deidra was really tired of this heroic talk of saving lives and nonsense. She was out for the money and this was ruining her business. Call her heartless, but dead horses don't make good slaves. Deidra looked back to the three that now stood before them. The King, the royal brown noser and then Frannie. Oh gods be gracious they were fucked, completely and utterly fucked. Time to think and Deidra was running low on ideas and it was growing a bit tiresome.
"You all act as if we unleashed them all, all the vagabonds out into the streets of Aodh. Yet all that seemed to escape was but a few that were so scared shitless I doubt they wanted to fight and were more interested into feeling the country. Though we did what we could to stay alive, stay healthy. The few horses in the cart was all we needed to plan our own escape. We are not fighter, no warriors. We do the dirty work of buying slaves and prepping them to be sold for all of your pleasure alike." she snorted a bit shaking her head. "You seem very certain to deem us as criminals before you even heard our story. Clearly favoring the gutless Chevaliers that spoke surely that we beat them up yet when all we we did was ram into them, did I break a bone? No. Did I cut their faces or rip their flesh? No. I rammed myself into them, and Yet you call it fighting. We get pushed around daily in the market and I don't proclaim fighting out in the streets." she huffed out with distaste. "We did what we could to get out alive and as unscathed as we could."
Deidra honestly was growing tired of this, while she should be more respectful, but that wasn't her way. Blunt honestly and hopefully the plan of the Vagabonds being used as a decoy would help lower the punishment of their crime, or so she had hoped. If anything if they all proclaim the same thing and perhaps review the testaments of the chevaliers, somethings could change. Perhaps. or all hell could be released onto and they would all burn alive, but that was the worst case scenario.
Post 4
WC|| 610
|
|
|
|
Post by empyre on Jan 21, 2017 22:24:52 GMT -6
Felix || Slave Trader
*looks into the camera* Felix breathed an inaudible sigh of relief at Deidra's seeming approval of his words. He'd done one thing right at least, though he doubted it'd be enough to save their skins at this point. It would take a miracle, perhaps even Ignacio himself to float down from the heavens on a cloud of smoke and kiss each of them on the cheek. Actually... death sounded infinitely better than that.
He watched Deidra as she spoke up, adding onto what he'd said as well as her own points. He was glad, not do the first time, that she was here. 'Gods, I'd be dead ten times over without her I'm sure...' he thought, the slightest of grimaces crossing his face. He glanced around the room a few times, wondering how long they'd all been gathered here, it certainly felt like an eternity. 'If they're going to kill us, can't they just get it over with?'
He'd spoken his mind, more so than he thought he would when he'd walked through those doors at the start, and now he felt there was nothing more for him to do or say. With a sense of resignation and another sigh, he lowered his head and decided that if by some miracle they were all spared that he'd give Zuriel a thousand years' worth of anniversary presents the moment he saw him next.
|
|
