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Post by rightasrain19 on Mar 5, 2020 18:42:26 GMT
It was time. The court had been assembled at the King's request to hear Alaric and Evolet's verdict concerning the werewolf who had been beneath their noses the whole time. Not exactly a wolf in sheep's clothing- but a wolf in fine silks. The king sat on his throne, with the Nethilor royalty on his left, and a chair for Nadia on his left. He didn't care that she hadn't debuted as his new partner. She deserved to be at his side. When everyone was assembled, he nodded to the guards. "Bring in Wolfgang Van Dam to stand trial."
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Post by Elvander on Mar 6, 2020 19:26:09 GMT
Evolet was dressed in a sweeping black ball gown with a high neck, long sleeved lace feature. Her red hair was done up in a bun, her head adorned with her crown. Her pale blue eyes watched the people in the court, and her stomach twisted in knots. The last time she had been here, people had died. The anxiety rose up within her and she tried to quash it down, unsure how she would decide the fate of a man she had once respected.
Sasha was seated near the front of the crowd, adorned in the finest dress she could afford. Her blonde hair was braided back, and her wolfhound Artemis sat at attention at her side. Like the princess, Sasha's stomach was tied in knots. She would have to present her case as a medical expert and the thought of stepping out of relative anonymity to address royalty was terrifying.
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Post by starrea on Mar 6, 2020 22:57:36 GMT
Roman was in the background, standing nearby and slightly behind the King and his unannounced queen. Roman has advised having her sit next to him in such a public setting, especially with someone from her homeland sniffing around, but as usual Alister did what he wanted.
Roman was only there because he had to be. If it were his choice, the werewolf would have been put down immediately. But it wasn’t and he didn’t really care which way the trail went as long as it’s ruling didn’t interfere with his life or work. While the proceedings started, his mind drifted to Caspian and Bo. Roman had always prided himself on his dedication to work but things had been changing lately and now there were people in his life that he interacted with outside of work.
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Post by Val on Mar 7, 2020 17:21:44 GMT
Alaric was clearly displeased to be back in Raevaryn. His trust in the rival nation was dwindling, and yet he'd agreed to follow through with this proceeding- for Evolet's sake. It would be good for her to get closure, and to have experience dealing with the fate of a man. In fact, he'd given her control of the final decision on the matter. She needed to be prepared to take his place one day, and this was a perfect lesson of queenship. He sat rigidly beside his daughter, a disapproving frown on his face as he awaited the man that had fooled them all.
---
As Alister sent the guards to retrieve the prisoner, Nadia appeared at the front of the room. Her eyes found her king's before she began the walk down the center aisle of the throne room, her chin held high. Long gone was her customary clothing, replaced by the gorgeous silks of a true Raevaryn queen, while her long, dark hair cascaded freely down her back. When she reached the royals at the front of the room, she trailed her fingers lightly across Alister's arm, making a point of casting Roman a pointed look before she finally sat down. She knew he didn't want her there, which made it all the more sweet to sit in front of him. She waited in anticipation, excited to witness Alister in his element.
---
Wolfgang had tried to prepare himself for this moment, but it all fell to shit when the guards finally ushered him into the throne room. He froze for a moment in the doorway as an overwhelming amount of eyes landed on him, before the guards shoved him forward and he was forced to continue to the trek to the front of the room. He was painfully aware of how he must look after his time in the dungeon- unkempt, strung out, and guilty.
It was so quiet the the sound of his chains felt deafening to him. He kept his eyes up, looking over each of the Royals that stood at the front of the room, ready to decide his fate. He had so much to say to each of them that it physically pained him to keep his mouth shut for once in his life. But he knew it was best to allow someone else to fight his battle this time. Relief flooded him as his eyes landed on Sasha, seated loyally at his defense. It gave him the courage to finish the walk and step up onto the box of the accused at the foot of Alister's throne, bowing his head in respect, "Your Grace," he uttered. Against his better judgement, his eyes landed on Evolet, full of unmistakable grief for the pain he had caused his friend.
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Post by rightasrain19 on Mar 11, 2020 23:32:36 GMT
Alister watched as Wolfgang was paraded in, his eyes revealing nothing. It was an unfortunate circumstance. Alister was not an unfeeling man- he had respected and trusted Wolfgang. If it were his decision to make, he would have suggested something like an exile. But he couldn't have this decision impacting his regard in the eyes of the Nethilor royals, nor of his people who needed and trusted in him for his protection. For all his selfishness, Alister was a keen ruler, and was always trying to think of the most favorable outcome for all involved. Unfortunately for Wolfgang, the outcome was looking like it would be death. Nadia's presence at his side gave him strength. She looked absolutely stunning, and he ignored all of the surprised whispers as she sat at his side. She would be properly crowned soon- damn it, he was king, and he would do as he pleased.
"Wolfgang Van Dam, you stand here today to face a trial for the murders of a handful of innocents, including my beloved wife, newly crowned." He steeled himself as he spoke, looking every inch like a confident king. He was wearing his finest clothing in Raevaryn's colors, and a crown of ornate silver sat upon his head of dark hair. "You hid your nature from me and in so doing, condemned many to a gruesome, painful death. This secret also cost both kingdoms a much-needed alliance. Today, King Alaric and Princess Evolet have joined our court to hear your defense. Ultimately, they will decide your fate." Alister's eyes scanned the crowd before falling back on Wolfgang. "You will present your case first, as well as what you believe would be a fair punishment. Then, we will hear from Miss Sasha Cross, who has volunteered to stand here today to offer medical testimony on your behalf-" As he was speaking, a messenger approached on his left, leaning in to whisper quickly to the king. He paused, then nodded. "And we have another, late arrival who would like to speak for you as well. Lady Evadne Demaris, of great scientific renound, would like to address the court as well." He motioned to Wolfgang, "The floor is yours."
Evadne was seated near the front of the crowd, near Sasha. She wore a royal blue gown with a low cut neckline, trimmed in cream colored lace. Her golden hair was worn in the traditional fashion of her people- braided around her head like a crown, with two long twists adorning either side of her head. Her blue eyes pierced Wolfgang's back as she gazed upon the pitiful creature. But she was confident that Alaric, a long time friend, would heed her expertise considering that he had asked her to evaluate Sebastian.
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Post by eragon on Mar 12, 2020 16:49:42 GMT
Bram stood near Roman, looking equally disinterested in the proceedings. Like the other man, he had other things he would rather be doing with his time, but it was a requirement of his position to be at the trial. Still, he was dressed in fine clothing and didn't appear disheveled or otherwise blatantly out of place, and there was something to be said for that with the state he'd been in recently. His eyes, however, still betrayed the darkness brewing in him.
He watched as Wolfgang was brought into the room, musing at how truly pitiful looking the once great man had become; he supposed a few weeks in a dungeon would do that to anyone. As Alister began speaking, Bram listened with detached interest, half-lost in his own thoughts of what he would do next with Terrowin.
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Post by Elvander on Mar 14, 2020 19:16:15 GMT
Evolet leaned forward in her seat, her breath catching as she saw Wolfgang. As Alister went through the order of proceedings, she heard the words grow dim in her ears, replaced by the pounding of her heart, which seemed to be stuck in her throat. When she looked at Wolfgang, all she could see was blood. Her hands curled into fists and she tried to clear her head. Evolet didn't know what the right punishment was. It was important that she listen, and listen well.
As Sasha heard that another would speak on Wolfgang's behalf, she felt relief flow through her. It wasn't all on her shoulders. She shifted in her seat, waiting anxiously for Wolfgang to speak.
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Post by Val on Mar 15, 2020 19:29:57 GMT
Alaric found Evadne in the crowd as she was addressed, feeling confident that she would be able to provide some clarity on the subject. However, even with clarity, he wasn't sure he could ignore the atrocities this man had committed. His eyes flickered between Wolfgang and Evolet at his side, wishing he could see inside his daughter's head. She had grown fond of both of the Van Dams, but was that enough to outweigh the pain they had caused?
-
Nadia sat confidently beside Alister, ignoring any eyes that happened to linger on her for too long. She didn't care what they thought, especially when she was getting to witness Alister as a true King. He was poised, intelligent, and powerful and it made her want him all the more. Sitting up there was nothing short of intoxicating.
-
Wolfgang listened intently to Alister's words, preparing himself for the impossible speech he was expected to deliver. It was then, as his eyes scanned the people seated at the front of the room, that the wolf stirred within him. This had become a common occurrence during his imprisonment; he'd communicated with the entity and now it was something of an ally. It would do anything to keep him alive, after all. They were inexplicably linked and it seemed that cooperation was the best course of action, for now.
The beast had a different reaction to each person in the room, as though it had been watching all along without Wolfgang's knowledge. While it wanted to rip some of these people limb from limb, he was shocked to discover that it held indifference, and even fondness toward others. Wolfgang's attention was diverted away from these distracting thoughts at the mention of another person speaking on his behalf. He turned curiously to locate Evadne, regarding her with interest. He would accept anyone who was willing to help, especially a woman of science.
As he was given the floor, Wolfgang took a deep breath and began, "Thank you, your Grace." Luckily for him, he was well accustomed to public speaking. Whereas many of the accused were helpless, this circumstance was exactly in his privileged wheelhouse, "I stand here today not to claim innocence, but to ask for mercy. Not because I deserve it, but because I believe that I can find a way to help others like me. These abilities are regarded as a plague to some, and a gift to others. Many that sit in this room possess great powers, while those imprisoned beneath our feet are labeled as cursed." Wolfgang hadn't intended for his address to become political, but once he began, it was impossible to take it back, "Those deemed dangerous are never given a chance. My father taught me to hide in plain sight, and that is what I have done for my entire life. I'm done hiding. I want to dedicate my life to helping those who are afflicted with power beyond their control; whether that means finding a cure or teaching them to live among us." He paused, feeling his adrenaline slip away to be replaced by sickening guilt as he recalled that he was supposed to present a fair punishment for himself. It didn't seem right. "I am sorry. Nothing can make up for I've done, but killing me will not prevent future tragedies."
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Post by rightasrain19 on Mar 18, 2020 21:53:02 GMT
Alister listened intently to what Wolfgang had to say. The man was making a valid point, but it was a dangerous time to say such things in his court, especially because of Roman's desire for tight-fisted control over those with magic. Even so, Alister could see an opportunity to work with Wolfgang to craft the laws that he had tasked to Bram and Roman. The King felt a flicker of annoyance as he thought of it. He'd asked for the revisions to the laws weeks ago and they hadn't fallen on his desk yet. What good were advisors who could not do their jobs in a timely manner? Which reminded him, he needed to speak to Bram about the girl... He shook off the thoughts. There would be time for that later. Right now, he needed to focus on the trial. "King Alaric, Princess Evolet, if you have questions to ask the defendant about his statement, you may do so now." He nodded, gesturing at the other royals to speak if they had something they wished to address.
Evadne shifted in her seat as Wolfgang spoke. It was a beautiful pairing to the point she would be making, and she offered Wolfgang a reassuring smile. He was clearly very intelligent, and it would be a true milestone in her career to be able to work on such a specimen.
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Post by Elvander on Mar 19, 2020 20:23:12 GMT
Evolet wished she could appreciate his mind the way she had before. She knew he made a point, but all she could see was death when she looked at him. "How do you propose to study it? To control it? You are a danger Wolfgang, as long as your nature remains unpredictable. You changed when it wasn't a full moon. You're too volatile to be safely studied, wouldn't you say?" The princess leaned forward, her fingers curling on the arms of her chair.
Sasha pursed her lips and felt guilt wash through her. It was her fault that the inner wolf had mutated. But it wasn't her turn to speak yet, and so she held her tongue.
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Post by Val on Mar 24, 2020 0:17:50 GMT
Wolfgang expected dissent from the majority of the crowd after his rather radical speech, but he was relieved to find that Alister did not appear to be offended. If he could keep the King on his side, he had a fighting chance. Evolet, however, he was concerned about. His eyes found the princess and he listened to her rebuttal, dipping his head slightly. He knew he did not deserve her trust, but it still stung to come to terms with the fear that he invoked in his friend.
"I will isolate myself, far from the kingdoms. When I am prepared, I know how to safely contain myself, as I have done for decades." He visibly hesitated as he prepared to try to explain his newfound relationship with the monster within. He couldn't imagine people would take kindly to his supposed 'communication' with the wolf during his time in the dungeons, but it was necessary to try to get his point across. "Yes, something has changed in me. That is why I lost control that day. However, I believe it has also opened me up to new possibilities and potential solutions. That is why I believe it is paramount for me to continue."
It was the best he could explain, given the circumstances. In the end, it didn't matter, though. Even if they sentenced him to death, he was not going to accept that fate. He and the wolf had already decided that. It would not be easy to betray the trust of the people once more, but he was prepared to unleash the wolf as a last resort. The cursed beast stirred at the thought, itching for freedom.
--
Alaric had heard enough from the accused. Of course the man would be biased and ready to say anything to save his skin. He didn't much care about the politics surrounding those with abilities. His only concern was the safety of his daughter and his people, and Wolfgang posed a threat to both of them. He sat forward and cast his gaze beyond Wolfgang, toward the ladies seated at his defense, "I would like to hear from Miss Cross and Lady Demaris, please."
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Post by Elvander on Mar 30, 2020 20:55:23 GMT
Sasha stood up first, believing she had more information than Evadne, whoever she was. Sasha tried to gather her strengths so that others would not see that her knees were shaking. She set her hand atop Artemis' head for support. "Your Graces, I have been acquainted with Wolfgang Van Dam for some time now. He asked me to help him heal from his affliction. As some of you may know, I am gifted with healing powers. At my touch, I can completely heal physical wounds, and ease those in our minds. I worked with Wolfgang for some months on his condition. I believed I had soothed it. But it is my estimation that my interference caused him to change into the monster without the light of a full moon." Sasha bowed her head, "I know how much Wolfgang wanted to change himself, to be better. If anyone should be punished for the deaths, let it be me."
Evolet gripped the arm of her chair, unable to believe what Sasha was saying. "You wish to be punished in his stead? You were performing a serviced for him. It was not your fault."
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Post by rightasrain19 on Mar 31, 2020 22:47:22 GMT
Evadne listened to what Sasha had to say. It sounded like this woman, this healer, had allowed her heart to interfere with her profession. It was a big no-no in Evadne's books, and she rose, though she wasn't sure if Sasha was done speaking. "The healer furthers the point Lord Van Dam has been trying to make. The nature of his condition is clearly malleable- and it deserves to be studied. There may not be a known cure now, but with the right expertise, there could be. It is my expert, medical opinion, that Wolfgang should be delivered into my custody, alongside his brother, to be studied. I would be willing to work with Miss Cross as well, to use her magic in conjunction with my scientific knowledge to find a cure, perhaps not just for Wolfgang, but for others afflicted with magic that is more of a curse than a blessing." Evadne spoke with calm authority, confident in her abilities. "Members of the court, some of you may not know me. But I know that King Alaric and Princess Evolet do- and it is with you that this very important decision rests." She bowed her head respectfully.
Alister watched with interest as the women spoke. He was convinced by their points, but he remained silent, lightly resting his hand atop Nadia's. Once this was over, there was Knox to deal with, and his mind was already turning to fixing that problem.
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Post by Val on Apr 1, 2020 3:37:08 GMT
Wolfgang felt relieved when Sasha spoke up. He wasn't sure if it was part of her healing abilities, but her presence calmed him considerably under such duress, and he felt confident that her testimony would contribute greatly to his case. That is, until she decided to become a martyr. He turned abruptly to stare at her in disbelief, wishing she was capable of seeing his expression. He couldn't even begin to fathom why she would risk herself for him, but he was definitely going to confront her once he was a free man. He physically bit his tongue to restrain himself to rebutting her statement, knowing any outbursts from him wouldn't be taken kindly. He had faith that the royals wouldn't be swayed by the proclamation. Not only because it was absurd, but because her abilities were invaluable. Despite his frustration, he focused on what Evadne had to say, and was not at all disappointed. He was more than willing to work with the woman and displayed his gratitude with a dip of his head. He was convinced their little team could accomplish great things together, but the decision was not up to them.
Nadia returned Alister's touch, quite intrigued by the situation playing out. She had no interest in the subject of science; however, the drama and political intrigue had her on the edge of her seat. It seemed that the blind woman had some sort of infatuation with the nutty professor. She leaned forward slightly to catch a glimpse of the Nethilor royals, wondering if they would be convinced by the display.
In any other situation, Alaric would have been fully convinced by the testimonies. After all, he thought it was an excellent idea to study the dangerous conditions, and trusted Evadne to succeed. However, the tragedy that had occurred was personal on a number of levels, and he found it difficult to want anything other than Van Dam's head, "Thank you, ladies," he addressed the women before leaning toward Evolet, "Do not let the healer distract you. This is about his fate, not hers," he advised her quietly, "I trust you to make this decision. Tell me what you are thinking."
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Post by Elvander on Apr 2, 2020 23:52:37 GMT
Evolet listened, but was unmoved by Sasha's pleas. It was weak of her to express herself so, in front of all of these people. It was really Evadne's testimony that saved Wolfgang's life. She had to think about Sebastian too. She still cared for him, and if Wolfgang were to die, Sebastian would likely remain held in her castle. If Wolfgang was saved and both of them studied, at least he would have something of his freedom left. Evolet raised a hand to silence further testimony.
"It is my decision that WolfganG Van Dam's sentence shall be the following: Restitution payed to the families of those who lost loved ones to his jaws, the sum decided according to our laws. Furthermore, he will be handed over to Lady Demaris and Miss Cross, alongside Sebastian Van Dam for testing. He will not be free, and will remain under guard night and day. Safety measures will be put in place to contain the beast when the full moons come." Evolet took a breath, fixing her eyes on the man she had almost married. "And he is to be banished from Raevaryn and Nethilor lands. He is in exile, upon pain of death should he return without a pardon. Lady Demaris, a house in neutral lands will be repossessed and turned over to you for your testing, where Lord Van Dam is to stay until he has been cured, or until he dies. Whichever comes first." Evolet dropped her hand as she made her decree.
Sasha exhaled a deep breath, feeling elation flow through her. It was a better ending than she could have hoped for.
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