The Arrangement

[Mai_able]

“I am wrong.” Elora gripped her arm a little harder and her brows furrowed. She met his eyes, there was a distant pain and confusion in them. “It is not the reality of the world – maybe my world, the human world. I can’t say the same for your kind, but I know how cruel mine is. But still…I want to apologise for hurting you if you’ll accept it.” Elora wanted to scoff at his words, she frowned at the thought was she that bitter by his words. For him to say such things now she felt it was nearly to late. It wasn’t as though she could reverse the pain this had caused her. Let alone the feeling of being able to trust very few is any at all. “You have apologized earlier….I have already forgiven you and wished you the best in trial…. As for worlds, the goddess did not create us separate. We live in the same world. Maybe .. I have just ignored the faults my kind holds.” Elora bit her lip looking past him, as though the vines on the wall would hold some truth she was unaware of.



When he paused she met his eyes looking past her, she had the urge to turn around. But something was keeping her from feeding into that feeling. “I don’t know how he got it. He just presented it to me in his quarters…and told me lies.” Elora’s grip on her arm loosened, she paused for a moment as if thinking over his words. “You are right your highness…your kind is cruel… I’ve told you I forgive you but there is still such an upsetting feeling in my chest.” She held her hand to her chest and gave a wry smile as she ran her hand through her hair. “I barely know you so why is it your words hold such weight.” Elora’s eyes met him with a clear feeling of confusion. “It is such a terrible thing not to understand one’s own emotions your highness.” Her eyes glowed a bit before she lowered her gaze from his folding her hands in front of her neatly.



“I believe it is best I leave.” The more her emotions spiraled into confusion the more she felt the power inside her slip from control. She took a breath and curtsied politely to him, “I still only wish you a just trial Your Highness…. I will see you there…and no matter the outcome I am on your side…and I forgive you.” She lifted her head and gave him a small smile before turning to leave. It was the best she could say to calm her raging emotions. If the trial went well, she figured the feelings that were making her so distraught would disappear along with the doubt.



~



Grykail saw many things from his shadows; Kolvar looking over documents worry written across his features. Zestarri tossing in her sleep, Alaisanna trying to appease her anger by resting before the trail, Uluc speaking to the guards to decide for the young humans transport, Elora and Archie having their heartfelt conversation, Sarya sitting in her room clutching the small babe with a small look of terror and Katyr trying to calm her, Aiduin resuming his prior fit of rage with the sword, the human king in a fit over a letter Hulda had delivered, Fenrir tending to Aston. The most interesting things is that the halfling that Pierre favored was no where to be seen, and the young human princess seemed more aggressive than he had originally thought.



His shadows followed the young maid, viewing the wounds he was a tad surprised. Of course, he knew humans hid their natures often, but the young human princess seemed the most docile of the bunch. It appears he was quite wrong, other than the apparent change in attitude there was something in the air around her that reminded him of the past. The far long and forgotten past. He decided to have a few shadows trail her in the trip to see her brother. He figured it would hold a fair deal of information if he did.



~



Sarya could only remember the chill she had felt earlier, the whisper in her ear telling her to protect her child. Maybe it was due to lack of sleep but she felt as though if she dared to put him down he might disappear. “My love please, you must rest. The trial is nearly upon us. Do you not wish to see the result?” Sarya looked at him, bags under her eyes her hair still silk like but messy from her hand running through it. “Katyr you do not understand, something will happen dare I let him go. I can feel it, y-you didn’t hear the voice. It was sinister and dark. Please once we are permitted to leave I beg that you allow me to return.” She felt like she could cry, Katyr ran a hand through his red hair but nodded if not a bit reluctantly. “Then I shall return with you, there is little need for me to be here. And I am certain Aiduin will no let Elora alone after the trial.” He smoothed the hair on her head kissing her forehead gently. “Please my dear sleep. I will watch him so that no harm shall come upon him.” Sarya was hesitant but nodded, making her way to the bed she pulled his small cot beside her placing the babe inside with such gentle care. She held the babe’s hand and looked at him. “I will sleep like such, please wake me once the trial is to begin.” Katyr pulled the chair beside them and only nodded gently rubbing her head until her breathing fell even and quiet.



~



Kolvar was trying to distract himself, he had received a few updates from Grykail’s shadows. But that did not ease the worry written across his face. He was sure the goddess would prevail and the trail would show the best outcome, and yet there he was preparing for the worst. They had been more than generous to the humans and yet, he still felt their greedy nature could not be appeased. Was war truly what Pierre wanted, he should know first hand the consequences of such. And the elves have developed far more magic than the humans thought.



But, there was also a part of him, the one reviewing the humans requests for the treaty, that believed the peace would be achieved. Of course, he was angry as a father for Elora’s fragile and innocent heart to be torn as such. But, as a king he knew what would be best if the trial showed the truth. Even he knew it was better for Elora to learn the nature of humans from this than later on.



Kolvar glanced over at his wife, her worry causing her to toss and turn in her sleep. Looking at the time he saw the trial would begin soon. He supposed now was as good a time as any to prepare. And pray to the Goddess that Prince Archie will be tried with the truth and not punished for others mistakes.



~



Aiduin had exhausted his energy, huffing he let the sword fall to the ground and leaned against the tree he had worn thin through the hours. His anger had somewhat settled, seeing the sun set he could only assume the trial would be underway soon. For some reason he felt angrier with himself for allowing that young prince to get so close to Elora. He was even angrier for not being able to help her with her pain. He had watched her grow, and always made sure she only ever saw the good in the world. Other than the result of war she had known no other sadness and never felt anger or regret.



He sighed hitting the tree once more before pushing himself off. He would go and change for the trial, then force his sister out of her room to join him there. He would not let her pain overwhelm her, not only for her sake but everyone’s as well. Elora was much more powerful when her emotions were in control. Bending over to pick up the sword he made his way back to the lodge, instructing the maids to set him a bath in his chambers and some fresh linen.

 

[Dan]

Archie didn’t know what he could or should say to her. After all the pain he caused in not even a short amount of time they knew each other, he could understand how precarious of a position she must be in. Whether if his words even meant something to her, she wouldn’t get over this heartbreak no matter how much he wanted to coddle her. It’d be a miracle if she trusted him again.

His mouth grew into a thin line, nodding at her words. Making a retort seemed foolish at this point. She made her stance clear, and he just hoped that she would heal from the heartbreak he caused her. Watching her get up and curtsy at him...made him only frown. Her smile wasn’t genuine, he could tell. And the guilt in his heart told him she was holding more back. As soon as she left, he whispered words of, “You don’t.”

Archie lets out a deep, shuddering breath. He let his fist go from behind him and turned around, returning to the basin to splash more water on his face. Staring into the reflection of the silver, his distorted face looking back at him. Many thoughts were swirling through his mind, he felt disoriented. Droplets spilled off his face, making many ripples into the water.

“Are you going to stand there and cry all day, Archie, or are you going to fight for your innocence?” The familiar voice of his twin made him stand straight and turn back, seeing his sister right behind the invisible barrier separating them apart.

“Ana?” He questions, visible confusion on his face, “What’re you doing here? I thought you were going to...” His voice trailed off. A bulky elven guard stands just behind her.

She smiles, “I brought some clothes for you. I can’t let you go in rags for the trial.”

The Elven guard unbinds the barrier momentarily and tosses in a bag then redoes it as quickly. Anastasia thanks the guard as he turns to resume his post just away from the Prince’s cell. Archie looks down at the beige bag, comes over and crouches down to open it.

Anastasia comes closer, hovering just a few inches from the barrier. She could feel the natural magic emanating off it. “I tried sneaking in your favourite ring but the guard took it. You remember the one dad gave you after graduating from...”

“The Army.” He remembered. It had the insignia of the Royal Crest on it. His was in a golden colour to signify him as the heir apparent of the throne. Archie was rifling through its contents, finding not his best clothes but something presentable.

For now, he threw on the blank v-neck tunic to warm him up somewhat. His pants still damp from the melted chair. “...so what brings you here?” He had to ask.

“Well, the trial will happen soon and I just wanted to see how you are holding up?” He puts the bag onto the cot and takes a seat, letting his hands rest on his lap.

It was the first time from anyone who visited him today to ask how he was, instead of asking something of him. Technically his own fault, but it still felt good to have his sister around, asking him about his own well-being. His brow scrunched together, “I’m holding up... how are you?” He retorts, looking up at her.

“I also heard about what happened to Mother, are you okay...?”

Anastasia grimaces at the question, “Mother will be fine, she was...healed.” Her voice growing low, she never meant for her mother to get hurt, but some things don’t go as planned. “But she’s doing well, I went to check on her before I came here.” Which wasn’t entirely untrue—did it in another method unheard of. “And the boys are worried about you. We don’t know what will happen at the trial...but there’s something I want to show you.”

Archie quirks an eyebrow, standing up to cross the distance between them. “...that is?”

“This.” Her voice grows low, a snap of her fingers, and something happens. He’s suddenly in the same place as before. It’s entirely dark except for a dim unseen light above him. Like before, he gets into a defensive stance, ready to fight off whatever or whoever came for him.

“Archie.” Anastasia’s voice causes him to whip his head around to see his sister standing a metre from him.

“Ana? What is the meaning of this?” His voice grows in a low warning tone to her.

Upon the outside, they both appeared normal to have a conversation. What anyone looking upon them didn’t know was that they were both within another’s minds, literally. Anastasia was playing with something older than her, more ancient that she could ever understand, but she understood completely. For now, she was planting more evidence within his mind, wanting her brother to not detest their grandfather nor put him away for his crimes.

What Anastasia didn’t count on was for Archie to be completely against her plan after carefully explaining it. Archie did something unexpected, he somehow severed their link. As fraternal twins, they both had a bond that was unique only to them. And Archie severing that meant he was completely free of her hold on him.

······​

Seamus was waiting outside of Alistair’s temporary chambers, escorting the Crown Princess to Archie’s cell felt different. There was something off about her, but he couldn’t quite place it. As the Head Butler of this family for much of his life, his resolve of them being innocent remained. It wasn’t the first, nor would it be the last time that outside forces would want to usurp the royal family.

The door opened, Alistair was decent. The unkempt appearance from all day was very much like him when things were out of his control. Seamus curtsied to his Majesty, “Pain reliever, my grace?”

Alistair waved him off, “I drank in moderation. I should be fine to see her.”

By her, he meant his wife, whom was just down the hall from his door. Seamus escorts Alistair, making sure it was safe as they made the short distance. He stopped Seamus’ hand from turning the knob, “Is she...”

Seamus silently nods, not wanting to say but confirm. Alistair lets his hand go and lets him continue to open. Upon first look, Alistair could see his wife. The colour of her skin remained healthy and her breathing rhythmically normal. His butler moved to the side, watching his King move into the room and silently shut the door behind him. It was a simple message to leave him be with his wife for the time being. Seamus has several human butlers stationed outside the door and returns toward the Council’s chambers.

·····​

The hours trickled on by like a river flowing downstream, a rock in the middle interrupting its stream 'twas the nerves and anxiety that were felt throughout the entire human guests. From the maids to the royals, no one was without the feeling of keeping on the edge of their seats. In the infirmary, Fenrir sat beside the sleeping Diplomat, biding their time till he awoke. It was only an hour and a half later that he would finally wake up.

He’d open his eyes, seeing the unfamiliar ceiling and over to the left. Seeing Fenrir gave him a sense of disorientation. Visible confusion etched in his features as he tries to move, but the pain wracks his body, especially his shoulder where he scarcely recalls getting stabbed.

“...water...” His says in a quiet voice, parched from his body healing itself.

Fenrir gets up from their seat and moves like they’re gliding on air to fetch Aston some water. Returning to help him quench his thirst. Once he’s had enough, Fenrir sets the almost empty cup on the night table. Like the Goddess, Fenrir had all the time in the universe to wait on Aston. Unlike Dr Nelavin’s words of the Diplomat’s memories not returning soon, her words proved false within another hour’s rest.

Aston finally looked to Fenrir and recalled the memory of what happened to him. A scene in which would only be shared to his parent’s retainer. Fenrir got up again and pulled their hands in front of them. Words exchanged with the Blackburn heir, Fenrir pulled out a small marble carved from the very mountains his parents lived within. It was a transporting stone. They presented it to Aston, putting it inside his hands.

It was a small yet serious warning to the Diplomat. They were to return to the Blackburn’s House. Aston knew why, and Fenrir knew why. Politics in the human realm were complicated and sometimes over dramatic. Aston looked up at Fenrir, two beady eyes staring back at him from behind their mask. The Diplomat lets out a sigh and is helped up from the bed.

He writes a vague letter of urgent matters bringing him to the Valmaris House, a little white lie that would be found out soon enough. Then he uses the stone. In a silent flash, Fenrir and he are enveloped in a bright light and immediately transported from the lodging back into the throne room where his parents are currently arguing.

He doesn’t know what about, but the trial would start soon. And Aston holds one of the keys to Archie’s innocence.

 

[Mai_able]

Elora left with a pang in her chest, walking briskly out of the tree covered tunnel she saw her vision blur. She was walking so fast she didn’t notice anyone walking past her. Walking outside she made her way to the forest, leaning her head against a tree she tried her best to calm her uneven breaths. Her hands gripped the bark, turning her knuckles white.



“Are you alright Elora?”



Elora opened her eyes and glanced towards the voice whispering her name so gently. Her vision was blurry, through the darkness in the forest she could make out a shadowy figure. Closing her eyes, she used her senses to feel through the earth what she couldn’t see. “Who are you, and how do you know my name?” Her voice was shaky but sharp. Even with her senses she could not tell who, or what this person was. Elora did know that the soft voice that called out to hear made her uneasy and comforted at the same time. The figure didn’t respond making Elora even more uneasy, taking deep breaths to steady her breathing she knew she should leave. Something about that figure lurking in the darkness did not sit well with her. Elora pushed herself off the tree and turned with quick steps to hurry out of the forest. Feeling a warm breeze, almost harsh force blows over and past her. Her dress was muddied on the ends, loose hairs stuck to her face, and her vision still blurred from suppressing her emotions.



Once she reached the lodge the maids spotted her quickly, helping her too her room and into a warm bath. Leaning her head back she kept her eyes closed, she felt calmer in the warm water than she had outside which, for her, was unusual. The trial was soon, she heard a small tap on her door, sitting up she glanced at the maid who peaked out of the door.



“Lady Elora, it is your brother Prince Aiduin. He says he wishes to speak with you.”



Elora sighed, lifted her head she sat up, placing her hands on either side of the tub to lift herself out. Allowing the maids to help her she stepped out of the bath and behind the dressing curtain, changing into more appropriate clothes for the trial.



“Let him in.” She walked out from behind the curtain and sat in a chair staring at her reflection as they styled and brushed her hair.



Aiduin walked in, having already changed for the trial he walked over to stand beside her. “Are you…alright Elora?”



Elora stared at her reflection, “There is no such thing as being perfectly fine brother. I am as well as I was before we arrived.” Her tone was more formal than usual, and the lack of cheerfulness in her voice made Aiduin worried.



“You’re lying…but if I press you, I doubt you’d give me answers…. You do know, no one will force you to go.” Aiduin looked at her and laid a hand on her shoulder.



Elora looked up at him feigning a small smile, “Surely you jest, it is the duty of all royals to participate. I plan to sit and watch this unfold with my own eyes…. I am no child Aiduin, I only seek the truth.” She stood up forcing his hand to fall and walked past him grabbing her crown from her small nightstand. Placing it on her head she glanced out the window towards the forest, the feeling from earlier had yet to subside, “Shall we go? We mustn’t be late.”



_



Grykail’s shadows followed the young princess to the young prince’s prison. Briefly watching as Elora rushed out, he would send a shadow towards her as well. Keeping note that the air around Elora seemed strange in the woods but he could not detect the presence she was peaking too. In his view it was only the forest darkness.



Grykail shifted his focus back as the elvish guard redid the barrier after tossing the young prince some fresh clothing. Something surrounding the princess was dark, something he couldn’t pinpoint now. Let alone why she seemed so…. suspicious. Grykail couldn’t help but notice how relieved the young prince looked to see his sister, well not so much relieved as he did comfort.



“Mother will be fine, she was…healed.” Grykail furrowed his brows something about the way she spoke made it seem as though she had expected something unfortunate but not for her mother to end up wounded. He would have to look further into the queens condition once things simmered down a bit more, if he tried now, he was worried what further problems it would create.



“But she’s doing well, I went to check on her before I came here.” A lie…Grykail had followed the young princess and there were no stops to her mother’s chambers, but why lie? He drummed his fingers on the sheet beneath him. Continuing to listen to their conversation.



“…. but there’s something I want to show you.”



“…. That is?”



Grykail’s fingers stopped as her heard her voice deepen and her fingers snap, he felt as though something in the earth had shifted. The wind blew past his shadow and he grit his teeth. Even though the young twins seemed to be speaking normally, Grykail could feel the magic in the air shift and twist itself. Something he had only felt long ago, something he had hoped had been buried with the blood it spilt. How did the young princess encounter this evil? And why was she using it, the consequences of this power were far too great for Grykail to leave alone. He would speak with Hulda after the trial, and hopefully figure out what the princess is up to.



An hour and half later Grykail watched as Aston and Fenrir were engulfed in a white light, once it subsided there was nothing in their place. Her cursed and sent a shadow to Hulda hoping he would reach her fast enough t whisper the news in her ear.

 

[Dan]

She couldn’t believe it, Hulda jumped off the couch with papers scattering everywhere. She. Fell. Asleep. Looking out the window, she could see now that the sun was nearly gone and night was setting in. The Spymaster picked up her mess and started putting her things together in a single pile, able to reduce it down to the most important papers at hand. It was almost certain that the Prince would be found innocent with her rigorous investigating. The short frame of time she was given seemed an accomplishment in of itself. Patting herself on the back, Hulda tucked it into her messenger bag.

Once she tightly secured the bag, Hulda pulled it over her shoulder by the strap and turned around to face the window. An agent of hers appeared in time, their clothing looked singed like they were just in a fight, “Hulda.” They greeted, briefly exchanging a bow to relay good news for once; Solana was captured and awaiting orders on what to do with her.

A smile graced her lips for once, “Bring her ‘round to the front entrance. Let the Elves know, too. I don’t want anymore distrust among the children again.”

The Agent nods and pulls something from beneath their uniform, “We have found this on the halfling. It must be of great importance. She nearly killed Gerris after he snatched it off her person.” The Agent presented it to them. It wasn’t a letter like she was hoping. Instead, Hulda was handed something totally unexpected. It was a chalice and not just any ol’ chalice. No, it belonged to Hallr. You couldn’t find this big of a cup anywhere, this one was specially made for that old bearded skull crusher. It was also random how her Agent hid it in the crevices of their tightly fitting uniform.

Hulda sent the agent on their way and put the chalice down on the table side. How very odd to have such a thing with her. Hallr almost went nowhere without bringing this ugly thing around with him. It wasn’t difficult to deduce that the halfling likely planned to frame one of her best friends. ‘But why nearly kill one of her agents just for it?’ Hulda wondered, inspecting it closer until she froze in place. The hairs on the nape of her neck rose, the Spymaster nearly shat herself with something whispering in her ear only to calm down when the shadow belonged to Grykail—she remembered what she asked of him.

News of Fenrir and Aston leaving? It seemed unlikely, but the elf wasn’t dishonest with her, yet. It was almost befitting that one of her hardest witness testimonials went out the window just like that, or more like in the blink of an eye. Hulda let out a frustrated sigh. It was one of her major evidence against Pierre, but not the only. She gathered the rest of her things into her bag and headed out the door. The trial was just getting started. As for now, it would only be a matter of time before Archie would be proven innocent and they could get back on track.

 

[Mai_able]

Grykail let out a sigh seeing that the message was delivered, he calmed seeing Hulda gathering her things to leave. This just meant she had a plan, which was good, the key witness has just left but surely, she has other compelling evidence. He decided after the trial he would speak with Hulda about the old evil he had felt from the princess and the young princes conversation. He sat up rubbing his temples. Looking through his shadows eyes distorted his vision if only for a moment. He changed into separate attire for the trial, but the time he had finished everyone should have been gathering already. He wondered how things would turn out now that it was finally time.



Elora walked; her arm linked in her brothers as they made their way towards the trial area. Her heart was pounding, no matter the outcome of this she would not falter. It was her duty to bring peace, it was by the king’s will that she met Archie, and it was her foolishness that allowed herself to be swayed. She glanced out of a window as they passed, staring into the forest she felt an unsettling chill run up her spine and she pulled her gaze away. Did she hope Archie would be unharmed…yes? Did she want him to be innocent...yes. Did she believe things would go back to normal? No, there was no belief in her mind that things could go back to normal. Everyone was tense, and the negotiations had halted. If indeed the humans had made a mistake thing would only prove more difficult. They would have to appease the elves for their mistake. Elora sighed and Aiduin glanced at her with worried eyes. He stayed silent as they met with their parents and gathered in their seats.



Katyr was in his collective seat next to a tired looking Sarya holding their sleeping infant. Kolvar and Zestarri were in their respective seats whispering to each other about the possibilities in the trial. Alaisanna sat in her seat, paying no mind to those around her the air chilled near her. Ulric sitting beside her grumpily tapping his fingers. Grykail was the last of the elves to arrive taking his seat and nodding to the humans as he passed before taking his seat.

 

[Dan]

Apart from the amount of help running around, rooms were empty as Hulda made her way through the lodging. Her footsteps light yet brisk as she took long strides to head out the front doors. She could hear whispers among the maids, wondering if they should prepare for war or if they should leave altogether. Hulda doesn’t hold against any of them. If they wanted to leave, but they wouldn’t have the chance now since everything had been put on lockdown.

Instead of heading directly toward the trial area, Hulda changed directions for the cells. She gave a nod to the several elven guards still around. She checked the Prince’s cell; he was long gone, then the others to find none others. Her agents must’ve moved the halfling to the trial arena; the Elves’ help was likely needed. She returned to the lodging to follow the rest of the help that was trickling toward the makeshift trial area.

Hulda took notice of the clear divide in the stands. Elves on one side, Humans on the other. Her agents were in place, the sounds of birds in the air were the signal that they were ready for anything. The Spymaster double-checked to see if everyone was there; the King, the Queen was absent in favour of recovery. All the children were there except for Archie—who sat at in the stands in ornate cuffs. Although Solana was nowhere to be found, she’d assume that her agents had her somewhere else as the grand reveal.

She spotted Pierre and his own family sat beside her King’s own. Hulda passed the others, making her way up to the highest box where she would begin the trial. Unlike the normal trials they had back in their lands, this one was slightly different; both could defend themselves and say their pieces. In this case, it would be the Kingdom of Lennox vs Crown Prince Archie. As she took her place, Hulda sat and started pulling out the papers to place atop the makeshift judge’s desk.

The trial was beginning. Hulda ignored the murmuring among the people in the stands. She cleared her throat loudly to have the chatter die out. Whatever the desk was made of, apparently her voice carried over the others.

“With negotiations halted, a fair trial shall convene now. The Crown vs The Crowned Prince, Archie of House Lennox and his accomplices that shan’t be named.” Hulda’s voice was commanding yet neutral. Her gaze went over the people’s faces before she continued, “In order for this to be fair and just, I have brought in a neutral party to oversee while I act in the Crown’s defence.”

Hulda had stepped down, leaving the necessary papers for the judge to see. Taking her own back into the messenger bag and climbed down from the judge’s place. She moved around to sit at the right-hand table. There had been two tables put out in the front, one for her and the other for the Prince; who was just now being picked up from the stands to join the left table. Though she was the one who arrested the Prince, Hulda already had plans to prove his innocence despite the trial putting him on the stand.

Once both settled in their respective places, everyone or maybe it was just Hulda, were waiting on the judge to appear. She looked over at the papers piled into folders on top of the table. A signal sounded at the arrival of the judge’s presence. Hulda turned back. Coming over the small hill was a woman in very short stature.

As the judge drew closer to the area, it came clear to everyone that this was a Dwarf. The golden attire she wore, from her head wrap to her jewellery to even her shoes were stark against her dark, bronze skin. But what was most distinguishable from her were her eyes; milky white and devoid of colour like a ghost had stolen her eyesight. To others, she may appear blind, but she could see just differently.

“Hulda.” Her voice was warm and husky as she looked her way.

“Nourin.” She greeted, “I apologise to have taken you so far from home.”

She smiled. “Don’t worry. I know what’s required of me. I expect to find the provided material already there.”

“It is.” Hulda confirmed.

“Then, shall we get this over with?” Nourin rhetorically asked. She required help from one of the tall Elven Guards to help her up on the judge’s box. After which, her own voice carried over the place, “Let the trial begin.”

 

[Mai_able]

While the Elven council, and most other elves seated didn’t mind the divide between the two species Elora felt the distance was even greater than the small area between them. Her high hopes before the summit seemed to continuously crash around her as each moment passed. She gripped the fabric of her dress in her lap and gave a small sigh. Elora lifted her head and straightened her shoulders, glancing around at all the anxious and familiar faces. The tension felt so thick, it was almost suffocating, making it hard for her to meet anyone’s gaze. The past events and thoughts made he feel as though everyone thought she was naught but a naïve girl. Elora was nervous about the outcome of the trial, a large part of her couldn’t help but worry about Archie. Soon enough her gaze landed on him, her eyes softened a sad look a worried gaze. Elora only stared for a moment before shifting her gaze away to watch Hulda walk towards the podium.

Before Hulda cleared her throat the whispers seemed louder, not concealing anyone thoughts. They could been seen in the air clear as day. Will there be a war? Will the young prince die? How will his innocence be proven? Who is the culprit if not the prince? How did things reach this point? A hush fell over the room as Hulda cleared her throat everyone expect to the trial and its outcome.



Grykail leaned on his hand glancing at the round-eared children next to their king, his gaze falling on Archie for a moment. His mind drifted back to the cells where he had felt the darkness within reach of the princess. He frowned and shifted his gaze elsewhere so he might focus on the trial.

Ulric drummed his finger on the rest of his chair, this whole ordeal seemed to irritate him as more time passed. He hoped this trial passed soon, though the prospect of war wasn’t completely unappealing her thought it might be a waste. After all he had spent such well resources fixing that damned wall for the sake of the treaty. Its beauty going to waste was disappointing if not unwarranted.



Alaisanna’s eyes followed Hulda as she made her way to the podium and cleared her throat before focusing her attention to the young prince if only for a moment. She lifted her hand allowing her fingertips to rest against her lips. Looking into his mind was sure to be fruitful, the favor she had gained was also worth the cost of using such a great power. Alaisanna much like the other shifted her gaze, but only once the so-called judge walked in. Alaisanna narrowed her eyes, she felt as though she could scoff. These round- eared infants had summoned a Dwarf to lead the trial. She lowered her hands her eyes following the Dwarf as the woman made her way to the podium. This was sure to be an entertaining trial.



“let the trail begin.”

 

[Dan]

Before a word is spoken, Nourin speaks again, “Does the defendant have a representative?”

The question prompts Hulda to cast a glance at the lone figure slumped in his chair. Instead of the Prince speaking up, his grandfather—the other accused—does; full stature on display in the stands. “In fact, he does.” King Pierre’s voice silences the whispers, eyes watching him as he makes his way down from the stands. Anticipation. Confusion. Betrayal.

Hulda lifts an eyebrow up at the older male making his way to join in the other chair besides the Prince. “As our fates are entwined, I’ve hired Investigator Fieldse from the port city of Qingyuan.” An unexpected announcement caused Hulda to turn her head at him. Her brows lifted in surprise. She quickly puts her mask of stoicism on when he looks her way. She can barely make an inch of a smile on his lips that disappears just as quickly as it appeared. Clearing her throat, she turns her attention back to Nourin.

“It is deemed right.” The Dwarf retorts, knowing what Hulda was going to ask. “This wouldn’t be a fair trial if neither had their own right to defend.” She adds, before continuing, “King Delafontaine, where is your investigator?”

“Here!” A thin, feminine voice rings from somewhere in the stands. All heads in the stands turn to find a woman of small stature making her way down from the top of the stands on the left. Apparently, she didn’t know that the elves were on that side, earning curious stares from onlookers, yet some met with caution at the sword that’s attached to her hip. Among the beauty, Investigator Fieldse could barely be seen from the tall forms that parted out of her way. A little bird sat atop her head, arms full of what is deemed stacks of papers—for what?

She stumbled out of the stands, popping out onto the forest floor. Hulda owlishly looked at her, a look of disbelief that such a young girl was an investigator. Her long, raven hair went down in waves down her back, half up and tied back by a black ribbon. This Investigator wore long, black robes, indicating her status—if she were back in Qingyuan, that is. Here, she was a fish out of water with how finely made her clothes were, down to the bright amber eyes that sparkled with nervousness. A small chain of gold hung around her neck. Hulda traced it down to a small heart-shaped locket. The Investigator felt an intense stare on her; she turned her head to find the infamous Spymaster of Lennox looking at her. Eadwulf offered a small, albeit nervous smile; she might’ve looked like a fool in front of such high-ranking officials, but she knew what she was doing.

Eadwulf quickly walked over to join Pierre’s side on the last chair available, placing the papers down on the table with a gentle thud. Taking a seat to show that she was ready. In her peripheral vision, she could see Pierre give her an incredulous look before turning his head, too, back toward the Judge.

“Now, are there any more interruptions to be expected or can we move along the trial now?” Nourin inquired from either party. Earning only firm nods of ‘no’ and then silence that ensued. “Okay, in the case of The Crown vs Crown Prince Archie Lennox and accompanying parties conspiring to usurp the current head, King Alistair Lennox. On this day, we will have a bench trial. No third parties involved. As Judge, I will also be the adjudicator. Now, are we ready to begin?” Her voice carrying to either side.

“Yes, Judge Nourin.”

“Begin your introductions. Who will go first?” Nourin questions, gaze going between Fieldse and Hulda.

“I will start.” Hulda answers, giving a sidelong glance at the younger female who looked to be on the verge of sweating. ‘This should be an easy case.’ Hulda thinks, standing from her chair and gathered prepared materials.

 

[Mai_able]

The elves were in their seats brimming with anxiety, the whole purpose o this trip was to finally have peace. To what use is the suffering they endured, the things they sacrificed if not for peace. Elora glanced at King Pierre when he spoke if she could be the cause of his destruction to end this farce she would happily do so. She spared a glance to Archie, the anger so evident in his aura it stung her eyes. Elora shifted her gaze elsewhere, the representative, she looked clumsy. But there was something unusual that Elora couldn’t place.



Alaisanna nearly scoffed at the child looking girl walking. To defend that blubbering round-eared traitor must be a shame. She would hold her tongue until Hulda called for her at least, she was sure Grykail had informed her. And if not, she would gladly intervene despite the consequences. A favor from that human prince was worth ten times more than the benefit of him dying.



Grykail felt uneasy when Eadwulf made their way to the stand. The was something about the girl’s clumsy demeanor that threw him off. Made the fear that this may not turn out in their favor creep up his neck. This was after all a matter of the young prince’s life, and since he was the holder of darkness, he felt no greater burden than to watch death hover over that child’s shoulders.



Thee all sat waiting for the trial, hoping that things would turn out for the best But only time would tell, and this trial was sure to take its length.